A collective of artists in New Zealand's Nelson Tasman region has transformed a rustic corrugated iron shed into a vibrant creative hub that celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. Zappekin, an artists' collective that coined its own name to describe a group that "zaps things into existence and forms kinships," operates from a former apple packing shed on the shores of the Moutere Inlet. The building, with its intentionally wonky floors and non-straight walls, now houses a dozen artists who create, exhibit, and sell their work while fostering a unique sense of community. The space serves as both gallery and gathering place, offering a refreshing alternative to the isolation many rural artists experience.
The atmosphere within Zappekin is deliberately unconventional and welcoming. Co-founder Nina van der Voorn describes the vibe as "alive, wild, and original," reminiscent of the clubhouse she imagined having as a child where friends could gather freely. The space bursts with color and creativity, reflecting the diverse personalities of its members. "It's so hard to sum up, because there's so many unique people that are part of it, but it's also a very accepting place because of that," van der Voorn explained. "So everyone's a bit weird, and that's fine. We encourage that actually. People can just be themselves." This philosophy of acceptance and creative freedom defines the collective's identity and attracts both artists and visitors seeking authentic artistic experiences.
The collective emerged from the isolation of the 2020 lockdown period, when approximately half a dozen artists recognized their need for community. While the pandemic proved creatively productive for many, it also highlighted the loneliness of working in remote studios scattered throughout valleys. "As an artist around here, often you're working in a shed up a valley, and you can be quite isolated," van der Voorn noted. "Sometimes we don't have the same level of art openings and things that you might experience living in a city." What began as a six-month lease experiment has evolved into a sustainable model for collaborative creativity and mutual support that has far exceeded initial expectations.
Zappekin's programming extends far beyond traditional gallery exhibitions. The collective hosts Gatherkin events where artists and community members bring personal projects to work on collaboratively, along with informal gatherings centered around soup and conversation. The space also accommodates art residencies, concerts, occasional art markets, and frequent visits from neighborhood children who receive informal art lessons from practicing artists. Some of these young visitors' creations have even been sold in the gallery, providing early validation for emerging talent. All artworks sold directly support both the individual artists and the collective's continued existence as a community space.
Every item in the gallery originates from artists and makers within the Nelson Tasman region, emphasizing local creative economy support. Van der Voorn herself produces screenprinted garments under the label Kingdom of Klah, while other members work in ceramics, illustration, jewelry, clothing, books, fiber arts, sculpture, and screenprinting. This regional focus ensures that purchases directly benefit the local arts ecosystem. The Summer Gallery operates from 10 AM to 4 PM daily until mid-March, staffed by collective members on a rotating basis. As Zappekin enters its sixth year, it stands as a testament to how grassroots initiatives can transform underutilized spaces into essential cultural assets that combat creative isolation and build resilient artistic communities.
