Back in the early '90s, an idea was hatched.

Nelson was starting to forge a reputation for itself for its artistic flair, throwing off the stereotyped shackles of the no-nonsense South Island. The World of WearableArt (WOW) was getting a toehold in the town after bursting into life a few years earlier in 1987 - and it was decided putting on a complementary event could lead to visitors extending their stays.

Enter Annabel Norman - known as a champion of the arts, she was appointed by Nelson City Council in 1994, spearheaded the festival's development. 

Following a trial event called Off the Wall, containing cabaret, talks, lectures, and art tours. Norman became inaugural director of what would become the Nelson Arts Festival in 1995 - and the rest is, as they say, history.

From those humble beginnings, the Nelson Arts Festival racks up an impressive milestone this year - 30 years of bringing joy and creativity to the region, as well as attracting artistically minded folk from out of town along for the ride.

Ali Boswick, Chair of The Nelson Festival Trust underlines "Things like this don't just embed themselves overnight. It takes time and has had so much community input over 30 years of existence. 

"That's why it's so wonderful. It's the community's festival, and we're thrilled to be involved.

WOW moved on from Nelson to its new Wellington home in 2005, But the Nelson Arts Festival is still going strong, moving into its now traditional October window.

This year, the Festival (24 October-3 November) will see 56 arts experiences spread out over 11 days.  Whether it's Tami Neilson hammering out powerful ballards over Neudorf Vineyards, the astonishing Trick of The Light Theatre blowing minds, Patricia Grace and Becky Manawatu's inspiring stories or Rutene Spooner's ode to Billy T James, it's broad-reaching appeal has something to entice a wide array of audiences.

Three decades is a milestone worth celebrating, particularly in what is often a tricky proposition to keep festivals afloat. Like many, COVID came with major disruptions in 2020 and 2021, but the rebound has been strong - including the return of the much-loved Mask Carnivale last year.

Boswick states "I love when people take over the streets. If we can transform the city, that's really impactful and uplifting." 

On the challenge of running a festival in recent times, Artistic Director Lydia Zanetti details "The last four years have thrown all sorts at us – pandemics and floods and increasingly tough financial challenges – and through that all, artists have continued to show us the myriad of transformative ways forwards. Every artist who touches this Festival changes it – and we are beyond stoked to be helping hold them and their incredible mahi.

"It has been such a huge privilege to be working with the Whakatū community over the past four years – it really is a one-of-a-kind place full of the joy and complexity of creativity. The natural environment here is diverse and beautiful, and the arts ecosystem reflects that." 

There's been those who have been along for the ride since the original days. After serving as the festival Director for 16 of those 30 years, Norman continues to this day as a volunteer, even after retiring.

Antony Hodgson is another who is almost part of the furniture now - currently the Head of Projection.

"For 14 years, I was Technical Director and am now enjoying being just the old - not so old - guy on the technical team, supporting the inspirational direction the festival is heading in. 

"I'm pretty committed to acknowledging whakapapa, and in the short timeframe of my life, I do think that the creatives who were firing up community activities in the early '80s laid the pathway for the Nelson Arts Festival to be the unique creation it is. Every person involved has poured some of their soul into the making of this soup"

Many can take a share of the credit for creating this Mainland cornerstone, and even more continue to reap the benefits of those sparks of inspiration.