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Moonshine, sex are all culture

SOUTHLAND'S art and culture scene provides some unique events, which are becoming known nationwide. A huge development for art in the province is the John Money Wing, at the Eastern Southland Art Gallery. It houses the extensive art collection of well-known sexologist John Money and is a drawcard for international art connoisseurs.

New Zealand's premier country music festival is held every year in Gore in late May.

The New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards attracts amateurs from throughout the country and even from Australia and many professional careers have been launched at these prestigious awards.

However, the Gold Guitars are just one of Gore's festivals, with its Moonshiner's Whisky and Food Festival growing in popularity.

The Moonshiner's Whisky and Food Festival celebrates the history of the nearby Hokonui Hills, where illicit whisky stills abounded in the 1800s. The only one of its kind in New Zealand, the festival offers a taste of Southland heritage, through its whisky, wine, food and great entertainment.

In July, Gore hosts the Hokonui Fashion Design Awards which have grown from a small beginning to be recognised by the fashion industry as a prestigious event. The awards offer emerging designers an opportunity to show their talent.

One of Invercargill's favourite cultural events is Shakespeare in the Park, with the show so popular people line up to get in. The brilliance of Shakespeare combined with the talents of local performers and the beauty of Southland parks makes the show unforgettable.

Culture in the south is growing all the time, with many art galleries displaying the province's talent in all kinds of art forms.

Creative centres have been set up throughout Southland, with towns like Riverton, Te Anau, Tuatapere and Otautau hosting local workshops and exhibitions.

There are also thriving theatre and musical theatre companies, both in the larger centres and in the smaller towns, with community support playing a huge part in their popularity.