The Upper Hutt City Council initiated the Upper Hutt Art Trail in 2023 to raise awareness of art in Upper Hutt and support local artists by connecting the community with local creatives.

It was the first time that the public had the opportunity to visit a range of working studios, see the creative process and purchase art over a single weekend.

It was also the first time that many of the participating artists had opened their studios to the public.

Following the success of the inaugural event, the Upper Hutt Art Trail Incorporated Society was formed to establish the art trail as an annual event.

The Art trail is now in its 4th year and has grown to feature over 50 artists across Upper Hutt, and a wide range of art practices including drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, ceramics, printmaking, wood turning, wearable art, metalwork, spinning, weaving, textile art, muralists, jewellery…and more.

The annual event is no longer Council run or funded. It is now run by the Art Trail Incorporated Society and is funded entirely through a mix of donations, community grants, local business sponsorship, and volunteers.