We're designing an accessible, inclusive arts centre model and services, in partnership with mana whenua, that will meet the needs of diverse communities, support artist development, and provide career pathways for artists in our city.
About the project
Through the Aho Tini 2030 Arts, Culture, and Creativity Strategy, developed in collaboration with the creative sector in 2021, we're committed to supporting artists and creative organisations in the city and developing pathways for artists.
The Council has operated Toi Pōneke Arts Centre since 2005. Since its inception, Toi Pōneke has supported hundreds of artists and organisations through the provision of 24-hour access to subsidised studios, rehearsal rooms, exhibition space, resources, programmes, and more. It has helped launch many careers and opportunities nationally and internationally. Today, Toi Pōneke Arts Centre continues to support artists, creative sector groups, and national arts organisations.
Much has been achieved at Toi Pōneke, but the building has some challenges and difficulties, including poor accessibility, and by nature of its layout it has struggled to facilitate effective collaboration and community networking. Our building lease is due for renewal in October 2025, and we have the contractual option to renew the lease for five years.
The Re-imagining Toi Pōneke (RTP) project takes into consideration feedback and thoughts gathered during the Aho Tini 2030 Arts, Culture, and Creativity Strategy creation, as well as feedback gathered over the last few years from the Toi Pōneke community and staff, from mana whenua and tangata whenua, and from the wider Wellington creative sector. Check out the result of some of our previous engagements on LetsTalk.
Together with mana whenua, we are now in the design phase of the project.
Project timeline
- July-December 2024: RTP next steps – In partnership with mana whenua and creative sector representatives, we are designing a re-imagined Toi Pōneke model, to support Wellington’s creative sector. The mahi will take into account the feedback gathered from the Toi Pōneke community, mana whenua, tangata whenua, the Wellington creative sector and Council staff over the last few years.
- 26 June 2024: LTP budget confirmed – The Council’s Long-term Plan 2024-34, which outlines how the Council intends to invest for the next 10 years, was adopted on Wednesday 26 June. The LTP 2024-34 includes funding for the Re-imagining Toi Pōneke (RTP) project.
- 12 April-12 May 2024: LTP consultation open – The Long-term Plan consultations were open to the public.
- June-July 2023: Developing LTP recommendations – We developed recommendations for the Long-Term Plan.
- March-July 2023: Wider creative sector engagement – Wider creative sector engagement through wānanga, talks, and a survey to inform the next stage of design. A summary of this engagement can be found on our engagement website Lets Talk.
- October 2022-January 2023: Collating data – We gathered the data from the current state analysis along with what we knew from Aho Tini 2030 to understand more about the gaps in service provision and the opportunities for Toi Pōneke.
- July-December 2022: 'Current' State analysis – Research with Toi Pōneke community, research into other arts centre models globally, workshops with key sector stakeholders to understand more about the current issues with Toi Pōneke.
Contact
If you have any questions about the Re-imagining Toi Pōneke project please get in touch with Andy Lowe, Manager City Arts, andy.lowe@wcc.govt.nz