Arts and Culture are a fundamental part of the Black Barn experience in Hawke’s Bay. At the heart of Black Barn’s Arts and Culture offering to visitors is a purpose-built 2,000-seat amphitheatre. Over 20 years, the Black Barn amphitheatre has become a favourite outdoor venue for promoters and musicians internationally and nationwide. Its acoustics, sightlines and atmosphere have meant it is often quoted as ‘New Zealand’s finest intimate outdoor venue for live performances’. It’s summer season now sees up to eight sold-out concerts a year, attracting concertgoers from all over the country.
Even before they planted grapes, this was built into their plans when they did the initial landscaping of the vineyard. The amphitheatre lies on a natural north-facing slope in the heart of the vineyard with spectacular views. However, rather than simply leaving it as an uncomfortable slope to perch a cushion on and watch a concert, they created 12 flat, wide grassed terraces that can comfortably take chairs and picnic blankets, ensuring the drop between each terrace was deep enough for everyone to get good sightlines of the stage.
A wide central staircase makes access and exit easy and safe. Each terrace is powered, allowing them to bring the entire atmosphere to life with fairy lights. The entire bowl of the amphitheatre is then surrounded by a planted wall of old muscatel grapes, which is also fairy-lit. Black Barn works closely with smaller privately owned local businesses to provide everything from food trucks, to sound and lighting, to portaloos, wine sales tents, parking and security.
Writer’s Residency
In addition to the amphitheatre, this year has seen their second resident stay in Rush Cottage on the vineyard as part of Black Barn’s support of the local Readers and Writers festival with the ‘Rush Cottage Writers Residency’. They have also firmly established the Black Barn Bistro Winter Series of events and performances. This saw sold-out dinners featuring everyone from a New Zealand Symphony Orchestra quintet through to well-recognised comedians and musicians.
Support for local artists
A combination of performing and visual arts has always been a strong part of the Black Barn offering. The acoustics in the Bistro create a magical atmosphere for live events, and they have long supported local artists and photographers by featuring their work extensively through their accommodation retreats, public-facing buildings and company offices. They also provide a space in their Cabana dining room to support local visual artists and have their work for sale.