People gathered around a long table, painting on large pieces of paper with paints and brushes inside an art studio or classroom. Artworks are displayed on the walls, and there is a glass door in the background.

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What is Toi Aro

A creative home for artists & communities

Toi Aro is a place in the heart of Wellington where artists, creatives, and communities come together to make, share, and shape the city's creative life.

A modern, multi-story building with large glass windows on its facade, surrounded by green trees and a parking lot in the foreground.
Black and white photo of a person's hand holding a rectangular piece of paper or cardboard, with other rectangular pieces of paper or cardboard beneath, arranged in a grid or puzzle-like pattern on a flat surface.
Close-up of various fabric textures and patterns, including a black necktie, woven black and white textile, and a beige fabric with a fine pattern.
Colorful checked cloth banners hanging on a clothesline with the words 'mother', 'make and make again', 'with', 'hold', and 'what we will' in black text.

A home for Wellington’s creative community

This is not a gallery you walk through and leave. It is a place you return to — to make, share, learn, and connect.

Located at 3 Market Lane, Toi Aro brings together:

  • studios and long-term tenancies for resident artists

  • flexible spaces for hire, performance, and events

  • a public gallery

  • workshops, classes, and creative programmes

Together, these spaces support a connected creative environment where work is developed, shared, and experienced.

Toi Aro builds on the legacy of Toi Pōneke, continuing its role in supporting Wellington’s creative communities in a new, purpose-designed space.

What you'll find here

Toi Aro is not one thing. It is a gallery, a studio complex, a community hub, and a platform for Wellington artists — all in one building.

Learn more about some of the things on offer at Toi Aro.

  • Bright modern interior with white walls, large windows, black carpet, and a mezzanine level with glass walls and a staircase.

    Toi Aro Gallery

    A public gallery on the ground floor — free to enter, open to all. The gallery presents exhibitions by Wellington artists, including resident tenants and community collaborations.

    Learn about our Gallery
  • Dance room - Hireable spaces

    Hireable spaces

    Flexible creative spaces available to hire — for rehearsals, performances, workshops, hui, and events.

    Find a space to hire
  • workshops and classes

    Workshops & Classes

    A public programme of workshops, classes, and events across a range of disciplines — open to all, with options for beginners through to advanced practitioners.

    See What's On
  • Group of four diverse people working together in an office, placing sticky notes on a glass wall covered with colorful notes.

    Opportunities

    Grants, supported residencies, and development opportunities for Wellington artists — at all career stages, across all disciplines.

    Find out about artist opportunities
Graphic - two hands holding a piece of weaving, working with the strands.

More than a creative space

Toi Aro brings together artists, makers, audiences, and communities in a shared place for creativity, connection, and cultural exchange.

Explore what's on