At the heart of Black Barn’s Arts and Culture offering to visitors is the purpose-built 2,000-seat amphitheatre which lies on a natural north facing slope in the heart of the vineyard with spectacular views. The bowl of the amphitheatre is surrounded by a planted wall of old muscatel grapes which is lit up for concerts. This has garnered a reputation among promotors, musicians, and punters alike as perhaps ‘New Zealand’s finest intimate outdoor venue for live performances’.
Other Art and Cultural activities hosted by Black Barn include providing free of charge a valuable exhibition venue for artists, and beautiful accommodation each year for the recipient of the Hawke’s Bay Readers Trust Rush Cottage Writer’s Residency.