Little Lost Art Festival

The Little Lost Art Festival was held from 1 to 13 October 2026 and is the Whangārei Fringes’ little sister – for those who love to wander, wonder, and find magic in forgotten spaces. We were very happy to be a supporter and venue for the first Little Lost Art Festival.

What a fantastic festival with so much creativity, curiosity and fun! Congratulations to Clark and the Whangārei Festivals Trust, as well as all the artists and creatives who have given their time.

It was absolutely great to see so many of the community out and about exploring and experiencing all the wonderful opportunities on offer. Surprise, joy and creative expression for all ages. There was so much going on all over Whangārei and in our space we were delighted to have several workshops, an exhibition and one of the ‘Little Lost Libraries’.

There were eight Little Lost Libraries around town, and in each a clue to find the ninth missing Little Lost Library. Each Little Lost Library was a surprise in itself; each filled with its own unique treasures.

In the Making Drawing Machines / Machines Making Drawings workshops delivered by Cathy Tuato’o Ross participants could design, make (and be) drawing machines. Through the drawing machines they explored creating unique and unexpected ‘mark making’.

In the Liam & Little Lost Art Pop-Up Gelli Plate Printing Session participants worked with artist Liam Astbury on exploring Gelli plate printing – experimenting with colour, texture and layering.

We also hosted Liam’s Little Lost Art Pop-Up Exhibition, a two-day exhibition celebrating the creative outcomes of the Gelli plate workshops. It was a colourful exhibition with vibrant, experimental works showcasing the unexpected beauty of creative play.

We can’t wait to see another Little Lost Art Festival with all the surprises and delights that it will bring.