new home faq’s

Toi Pōneke is moving to a new location: 3-6 Market Lane, opening June 2026.

This is an opportunity to re-imagine how the Arts Centre can build on the successes of the last 20 years to be a catalyst for Wellington’s arts sector for the next 20 years.

Until the move, Toi Pōneke is still open in Abel Smith Street with exhibitions, residencies and public programmes.

The current building has accessibility and layout issues.

The new site aligns with Aho Tini 2030 strategy and vision.

Toi Pōneke needed to relocate as the lease was due for final right of renewal. The Abel Smith Street lease will terminate in June 2026.

The new 20-year lease at Market Lane ensures long-term support for artists.

Market Lane offers a sustainable, long-term (20 year) solution in a high profile, central location.

Te Auaha was thoroughly investigated however it would have significant additional cost, exceeding budget and introducing operational complexities

Market Lane was selected as a fiscally responsible option aligned with the approved Long-term Plan.

Moemoeā | Vision: A catalyst for the growth and development of Wellington artists.

Kaupapa: Tuakana-Teina kaupapa, connecting established artists and organisations with emerging artists, to foster mentorship and collaboration.

Licensed rental spaces for artists and organisations.

Supportive community and dynamic, managed spaces.

Tuakana-led initiatives and operational redesign.

Mana whenua kawa tikanga input and guidance.

9 artist studios, 7 arts offices and 1 workshop space.

Tenancy applications for artist studios, arts offices and workshop space in Market Lane open Wed. 27 Aug – Sun. 28 Sep 2025.

Step-by-step guidance on how to apply via the Toi Pōneke website. Read the Application Guidelines which include details and costs of the rental spaces available

Eligibility: Artists must reside in the Greater Wellington Region and align with the Toi Pōneke vision and kaupapa.

Tours of the building interior are available Tues. 2 Sept & Wed. 3 Sep before the fit-out starts. Booking on the Toi Pōneke website.

Detailed maps of all three floors are currently on the website. There will be a walkthrough video available on the website soon.

Artist studios: 1-year license (with an option to apply for another 1-year).

Arts offices/Workshop space: 3-year license (with an option to apply for a further 3-years).

Rental rates: are available in the application guidelines on the website, artists studios are $8.67/m²/week + GST, includes utilities and WellyWifi.

Finishes in the arts offices are carpet tiles, artist studios will have vinyl flooring, exposed ceilings throughout  the building and a mix of glass/gib walls.

Spaces will not be fully soundproof, but sound transmission will be reduced as much as possible.

All three levels are fully accessible with lifts, ramps, and accessible toilets and showers on each floor.

For transport: secure bike storage on ground floor. There are metered parks on the street, including disability spaces, loading zones, and nearby car parks. James Smiths Carpark is scheduled to reopen before the new Arts Centre opens.

WellyWifi will be available throughout the building. (WellyWifi is generally not suitable for business on a day-to-day basis as it has limitations.) Rental spaces (Studios, Offices and Workshop space) will have infrastructure in place which will allow the licensee to plug in their own modems and arrange provision of internet through their chosen provider.

This kaupapa is part of creating a supportive community for tenants in the Arts Centre by connecting emerging artists with support and guidance provided by established artists and organisations.

Applicants will identify if they are tuakana (established) or teina (emerging) in their application, and the type of support they offer, or are seeking.

This could involve mentoring, residencies, workshops or masterclass, sector-sharing activity.

The connections should be tuakana or teina led, considering opportunities to support each other. We will provide guidance and support for this to ensure that opportunities meet defined standards aligned to the kaupapa.

Opportunities provided by tuakana could be a one-off activity that happens throughout the term of your tenancy, e.g. supporting an emerging artist by giving advice, it is not expected to be an arduous task.

Read through the Tuakana-Teina Narrative Guide for more information.

Information is used solely to assess applications and manage license agreements.

Data is securely stored and only shared with relevant staff.

Governed by the Privacy Act 2002. Read more about privacy at WCC here https://wellington.govt.nz/contact-us/privacy-statement

To support inclusive processes and build a diverse Toi Pōneke community.

You may choose “prefer not to say” will not impact on your application in any way.

To ensure inclusivity and assess how Toi Pōneke can meet specific physical accessibility needs.

The panel is an Arts Peer assessment panel including Mana Whenua representative and arts sector experts.

After applications close (28/9/25) the assessment process (shortlisting and interviews) follows. Applicants will be contacted and results published at the beginning of December 2025.

First, check the Toi Pōneke Applications page.

For further questions, email: ToiApplications@wcc.govt.nz

Bookable hire by hour spaces include: 2x dance studios, 2x drama/rehearsal studios, Artisan/Classroom space, cultural space, multi-purpose spaces and meeting room.

The music room options are currently being explored and we will keep you informed of any updates.