The re-imagined Toi Pōneke vision is defined as a dynamic space to support artists to develop and grow.

Toi Pōneke will be a hub of energy that provides a place for artists at all stages of their career to develop and grow and eventually transition to new opportunities.

It will achieve this by offering fixed-term rental agreements and by using the tuakana-teina model to connect artists with support from more senior practitioners. The space is likely to be smaller than the current premises and will be flexible to facilitate different art forms.

Focus areas for success

To deliver on the vision, three focus areas that are essential for success have been identified:

• An ecosystem of creatives, with a focus on the kaupapa of creating a diverse community that supports each other

• A dynamic and actively managed space that optimises its use while meeting the diverse needs of its users

• A supportive community that offers artists and practitioners the guidance, mentorship and connections needed to help them progress in their practice.

The Toi Pōneke Tuakana-Teina Kaupapa encourages reciprocal learning, mentorship, and collaboration between experienced artists or organisations (Tuakana) and emerging or less experienced artists or organisations (Teina), with a focus on nurturing the mauri (vitality) of both individuals and the arts community and growing the artists career.

Tuakana refers to the more experienced artist or organisation, who provides guidance, shares knowledge, and helps strengthen the mauri and the career pathway of the Teina through positive and supportive engagement.

Teina refers to the emerging artist or organisation, who receives mentorship and support while also contributing reciprocally, offering fresh ideas and energy that support the well-being of the arts community.

Central to this kaupapa are the principles of whanaungatanga (relationships) and manaakitanga (caring for others), fostering a thriving, interconnected arts ecosystem where the mauri of the community is uplifted through shared growth and learning with a focus on nurturing the mauri (vitality) of both individuals and the arts community and growing the artists careers.