Over the past few years the Changing Threads Contemporary Art Awards show has surged forward from an initial vision to now being one of the most prestigious events of its type in New Zealand.

The exhibition has a two stage selection process which ensures that the work shown is the very best to represent the artists working within this area of the arts.

The entries selected for the event are those which have embraced the spirit of the challenge and present work of a high technical and artistic standard, with a strong conceptual basis.  The result of the selection process means that the art shown in Changing Threads are pieces which stretch the terms of 'fibre' or 'textile' in their medium or construction, and are those which are thought provoking, insightful, quirky, humorous or inspirational.

The visitors from both the Nelson region and farther afield have been enthusiastic and very interested and we have received critical acclaim in reviews published in both National and International magazines.  The event is managed by Arts Council Nelson, and receives support from other sponsors which has been crucial to the development of Changing Threads. 

The 2015 Bernina Award recipient is Alysn Midgelow-Marsden for her entry 'Negative Space II'.