Wellington Arts Centre facts for kids

The Wellington Arts Centre, also known as Toi Pōneke, is a special place in Wellington, New Zealand. It's where artists and creative people come together to make amazing things! This centre helps artists create music, dance, theatre, and visual art. It's located in the lively Cuba Street area.

What is Toi Pōneke?

The Wellington Arts Centre, or Toi Pōneke, is a big building designed to support artists. It helps them create and show their work. It's like a hub for creativity in New Zealand's capital city.

When Did It Start?

The centre was built between 2003 and 2005. It officially opened in July 2005. The Mayor of Wellington at the time, Kerry Prendergast, helped open it. Before this, Wellington's arts centre was in a much smaller place.

What Can You Find There?

Toi Pōneke is spread across two buildings and has seven floors! It's full of spaces for artists to work.

• There are 29 studios where artists can create.
• You'll find rehearsal rooms for dancers and actors.
• There are also music rooms for musicians.
• Many arts groups and festivals have their offices here.

Who Uses Toi Pōneke?

Over a dozen groups and festivals call Toi Pōneke home. Some of these include:

• Cuba Street Carnival
• Fringe Festival NZ
• Dance Aotearoa NZ
• Sticky Pictures
• Arts Access Aotearoa

Other creative groups also work from the centre. These include the Wellington Photographic Society and Shakespeare Globe Centre NZ. Nearly 40 visual artists use the studio spaces. The ground floor has workshops and a gallery. This gallery shows 15 to 20 art exhibitions every year!

How Toi Pōneke Helps Artists

The Wellington Arts Centre helps artists at all stages of their careers. It supports new artists just starting out. It also helps experienced artists and big arts groups. The centre also offers art activities for everyone in the community.

What Does the Staff Do?

A small team works at Toi Pōneke. They help create new art projects and events. For example, they have helped with projects like Drive by Art and the Artsplash Festival. They also help artists with planning their projects, finding partners, and marketing their work. The centre is used all day and night by artists.

The Name Toi Pōneke

In July 2006, after its first year, the centre was given a new name: Toi Pōneke. This is a Māori phrase. It means "Art of Wellington."

Today, Toi Pōneke is a very busy place. Over 100 artists, musicians, theatre people, and teachers use it every day. In a short time, it has become the main creative place in Wellington.