Brainy Beanies Delight at Christchurch’s Pūmanawa Gallery
A celebration of creativity and connection from the brain tumour community
Brainy Beanies exhibition in Christchurch
The first ever Brainy Beanies Christchurch exhibition, held from 19 to 25 May 2025 at the Pūmanawa Gallery in the Arts Centre, proved to be a resounding success. This remarkable display brought together artistry and compassion, featuring over 860 intricately designed, one-off Beanies, all created with love by someone who cares.
The exhibition offered visitors the chance to immerse themselves in vibrant textile creations that reflected the hopes and stories of people affected by brain tumours in Aotearoa. Many of the Beanies on display told the creator’s unique story, some in memory of a loved one lost, some dedicated to a brain tumour survivor.
Located in the heart of Christchurch, the Pūmanawa Gallery provided an inspiring venue for the event, surrounded by the historic architecture and dynamic atmosphere of the Arts Centre. The exhibition attracted a wide audience, including members of the local brain tumour community, friends and families, healthcare professionals, as well as tourists and curious visitors.
Free admission ensured the event's accessibility, allowing all attendees to explore the collection at their leisure. The event was covered by TVNZ with a live cross on their Breakfast programme on Tuesday 20 May and in an article by Metro News, a local Christchurch digital news media channel.
Each and every Beanie on display was able to be purchased, earning vital funds to support the work of Brain Tumour Support NZ. Many visitors expressed admiration for the creativity showcased in the pieces and it was wonderful for the BTSNZ team to connect with the local Christchurch community. Overall, the Brainy Beanies exhibition was applauded for its unique blend of artistry and reflection.
As the doors closed on this inaugural Christchurch Brainy Beanies exhibition, the event left a lasting impression on all who attended. It underscored the power of art and craft to connect, inspire, and provide hope for those still dealing with their brain tumour diagnosis. For those who missed this vibrant showcase, we hope to bring Brainy Beanies back down to Christchurch in the future.
