We’re excited to announce that Toi Pōneke Arts Centre has found a new home at 3-6 Market Lane, Wellington.
We'll be occupying a portion of the building on the corner of Cable Street and Market Lane. The opening will be in June 2026.
The building will play a key role in bringing our new Ngā Tuapapa Taketake (foundation baselines), Moemoeā (Vision), and Tuakana-Teina Kaupapa to life. These were developed with mana whenua and with input from the creative sector over the last few years.
Our new whare
Market Lane is a seismically sound, character property with high stud heights and plenty of natural light. Toi Pōneke will offer 1,959m² of floor area across three levels, featuring artist studios, offices, multi-purpose spaces, including dance and drama spaces, a gallery, and cultural space, and display areas throughout the building.
While the new building is smaller than the current premises the building has been designed for flexible use, accommodating a variety of art forms. We’re confident that this new space will allow Toi Pōneke to continue to foster a vibrant and interconnected arts community.
The re-imagining of Toi Pōneke carefully considered the presence of other arts providers and facilities across the city, acknowledging that a Council-operated arts centre cannot meet all sector needs.
The new model ensures that Toi Pōneke can continue to play a significant role in supporting Wellington’s creative ecosystem, while operating within the financial parameters set out in the Council’s 2024-34 Long-term Plan.
Key dates
27 August 2025: Applications open - 9 artist studios, 6 arts offices, 1 workshop space (Market Lane).
28 September 2025: Applications close.
November 2025: Applicants notified of outcome.
May 2026: Tenants move in - date will be confirmed alongside the application process.
Early June 2026: Final day for tenants, users, and business as usual at Abel Smith Street, followed by a whakamoe.
June 2026: Market Lane opening ceremony, hireable spaces available.
Applications
Applications for artist studios, arts offices, and a workshop space, in the new Market Lane premises will open on 27 August 2025 and close on 28 September 2025.
Please visit the Toi Pōneke website from 27 August 2025 for details and the online application form.
Applications will be open to arts organisations, and Wellington-based artists. Applications must align with our Tuakana-Teina Kaupapa and one or more of the Council’s Aho Tini 2030 Strategy focus areas.
Background
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.
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.
The following specific action was agreed in the Aho Tini 2030 Arts, Culture and Creativity Strategy Action Plan 2021-2023: “Further develop how Toi Pōneke Arts Centre can continue to support the arts and creative sector, including partnership and co-location opportunities, and support incubation opportunities and emerging artists.”