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Story: Arts festivals

World of WerableArt

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Nelson wearable arts festival

This photograph, from the World of WearableArt (WOW) Awards in Nelson in 2001, shows ‘Futuristic circus’ – part of the ‘Illumination Illusion’ section. Established by painter and sculptor Suzie Moncrieff in Nelson in 1987, the awards were transferred to Wellington in 2005.

The awards have grown into an internationally-renowned design competition for art designed to be worn on the moving body, and attracts entries from around the world. A theatrical awards show held over a fortnight attracts thousands of people to Wellington every year.

Using this item

World of Wearable Art

Reference: 2001 Montana World of WearableArt™ Awards

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How to cite this page

Marguerite Hill, Arts festivals – Film, literary and other festivals, 1960s onwards, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/1749/nelson-wearable-arts-festival (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Marguerite Hill, published 3 March 2009, updated 1 August 2016.