May Opening Night Street Party – Be part of Tauranga's Creative Social Scene.
The Incubator Hub of galleries and our monthly events are not just where art is just hung on walls, but where it's lived, breathed and supported.
These events are where emerging artists find their first fans; established artists cross pollinate with others and it's where a village of creators and art lovers embed critical grassroots culture into the heartbeat of our city.
The Incubator Creative Hub and the Tauranga Historic Village – is a nationally recognised incubation space for Aotearoa's arts and culture scene.
On Friday 8 May 5.30pm–7pm, we throw open the doors for another street party that celebrates everything that makes this community vital: live music, a licensed bar, grazing platters from our sponsor Gate Pā New World, and four powerful new exhibitions.
Everyone who attends these events helps an artist take the next step, grow confidence and validates their trade. You're part of their success.
The Exhibitions – One Night, Four New Shows
The People's Gallery – Toi ka Rere: In Good Company
Eight resident artists of The Incubator's Villa Studios come together across photography, textile art, mixed media, painting, and illustration. Diverse in style and genre but they are united by their shared place. Expect a conversational atmosphere where the stories behind the work are as engaging as the art itself. Artists will be present in the Gallery on the weekends throughout the exhibition run.
Featuring: Leah Creaven, Dianna Smith, Shona Mackenzie, Tracey Finch, Mathew Johnson, Laura Neundoerfer, Hope McConnell, Mara Takiwa.
The Pothouse Gallery: Birds of a Feather
Curated by the visionary ceramicist Anett Plitz – a celebration of avian life. Anett has gathered 30 potters offering sculptural totems, wall hangings, bird-themed tableware, feeders, and baths. Fine craftsmanship, and a flight of creative birds across the ceramic spectrum.
Opening night special: create your own hand-built clay bird guided by an exhibiting potter. We'll fire and glaze it for you – no charge, no booking, just turn up and jump in.
The Incubator Gallery: Helen English - Uncharted Waters – Seekers of the Natural World
Ethereal women as navigators – preserving the environment without leaving permanent marks. Helen blends realism, expressionism, and abstraction with layered water-based mediums, collage, and oil glazes. Fish and ocean creatures represent the beauty we rarely see up close. A Master of Visual Arts Education from Waikato and training with the Milan Art Institute bring classical technique and contemporary vision together.
Imprint Gallery: Jane Hoggard
The Cube Gallery – perfectly proportioned and run by a trio of printmaker studio artists – hosts invited artist Jane Hoggard this month. Always an Intimate but powerful pocket-sized punch!
Live music | Licensed bar | Grazing platter by Gate Pā New World
Free clay bird activity (while spaces open) | Everyone welcome
Come for the party. Help grow Tauranga's art scene from the ground up.