Beyond the Gallery Walls
Art as a Catalyst for Community
Our Galleries – A Celebration of Art, Community, and Opportunity
At the heart of our mission is the belief that art transforms lives, connects communities, and enriches culture. Through our diverse gallery spaces, we champion grassroots creativity, provide vital opportunities for artists at all stages, and invite audiences to engage deeply with the power of art—whether traditional, contemporary, or rooted in Indigenous practice.
We believe art is more than display—it’s a catalyst for social wellbeing, destination development, and vibrant communities. By creating spaces where people gather, reflect, and engage, we:
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Boost local economies by attracting visitors and fostering creative industries.
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Strengthen social bonds through shared cultural experiences.
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Empower underrepresented voices, ensuring diverse stories shape our collective identity.
Through exhibitions, workshops, and partnerships, we don’t just showcase art—we build a movement where creativity fuels connection, opportunity, and pride in who we are.
The services we help with include:
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Exhibition marketing graphic assets. Posters, Social media &
Invitations
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Marketing including social media and events platforms NZ.
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Digital newsletter marketing
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Projects will be curated by the Incubator team. The final curation is at the discretion of the Incubator team.
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Exhibition Installation and set-up
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Exhibition Labelling
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Opening launch event staff & volunteer support
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Opening event photographs
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Creating a roster for groups to register for gallery representation obligations
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Pricing advice and sales support
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Vinyl Wall Sign/Decal - Artists or Group/Organisation Name - $40 added to exhibition fee. (Discounted - the size is limited)
Exhibition fees - Up to 3 weeks duration
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The Incubator Gallery $390*+gst
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The People's Gallery-Toi ka rere $390*+gst
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The Pot House-Ceramic Exhibition Gallery $290*+gst
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Okorore Ngā Toi Maori-Whare Taonga Gallery $240*+gst
* The 2025 amended price now includes the wall vinyl
Commission rate
The commission fee on all exhibitions is 25%+gst
Launch Costs/Event Contribution
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Group/Schools Launch contribution $100 +gst
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Solo Exhibition launch contribution $50 +gst
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Please note exceptions apply for stand alone exhibtion launches.
Launch Event Details
Our galleries' exhibition programme share a launch event.
This can include from 2 - 5 exhibitions typically held on a Friday evening.
These multi launch formalities are held in the centre of the Historic Village with shared refreshments and a licensed bar only steps away from each gallery venue.
The events encourage healthy cross-pollination between all the galleries and usually attract a good attendance from our community of art supporters.
We have a considerable support framework in place to promote and market this multi-launch event thus making it a very popular after work activity, often enhanced with live performance.
Exhibitors representation requirements
There is a compulsory requirement for People's Gallery Group/School exhibitors, (when local) to be ambassadors on a roster system for weekend days and weekdays when possible.
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There is a compulsory requirement for Incubator Gallery, Pot House exhibitors, . Okorore Ngā Toi Māori Whare Taonga Gallery exhibitors (when local) to represent their show at a minimum on weekends and public holidays.
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A penalty applies for no shows to prearranged times, and will be invoiced at the end of the exhibition. Please note: We work on case by case basis with artists who are not based in Tauranga Moana
We welcome you to have a chat with our technician and share any specific suggestions about your work placement.
Technician's will proceed with the installation alone following our gallery’s process, which is designed to ensure a smooth and precise setup.
Our technicians work independently on installations, maintaining the high standards set by our Creative Director who has 25 years gallery exhibition experience.
This approach consistently delivers exhibitions that align with our gallery’s aesthetic vision—so please rest assured your work is in expert hands and we’re confident you’ll be pleased with the result.
The final installation is at discretion of the technician taking into account public safety and safety of the works.
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The People's Gallery
GROUPS & SOLO EXHIBITORS
The 'People's Gallery Toi ka rere aims to provide an important and exciting visual platform in which community groups can display and promote their creative talents.
The People’s Gallery celebrates community voices, showcasing schools (kura), collectives, and groups whose works tell stories, inspire change, and strengthen the cultural identity of Aotearoa. Here, art becomes a tool for dialogue, education, and collective pride.
An inclusive gallery ensuring everyone belongs, encouraging community and marginalised groups, schools and of course arts groups to use art to connect and develop. The emphasis is on telling stories and raising awareness through art. Encouraging People’s collaboration and partnerships, through the audience participation, promotion and media awareness that is raised.
It is a flexible space suitable for workshops, artist talks, small performances and creative meetings. There can be opportunities for groups to sell merchandise, fundraise and educate during the course of the exhibition
The space is not limited to the Bay of Plenty but welcomes travelling groups to display and connect with our local community through art
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The Incubator team will install all exhibitions unless otherwise arranged in which case have the discretion on final curation for practical and aesthetic reasons.
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Group showings must have some form of continuity for best professional results
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All artists/ groups wishing to exhibit in the People's Gallery must submit a proposal, through the online form.
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Where a project is approved but yet to be developed, it is expected that artists/group will maintain close contact with the Incubator Management during the production period, and that the final work will remain true to the original concept approved, unless otherwise negotiated.
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Should there be a specific reason why an exhibition must take place within a particular time frame you should clearly indicate this in your application.
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It's a compulsory requirement for local artists or their representatives to be available to staff the gallery during their exhibition. Please contact management if this is an issue as we use a DIY (Do it yourself) and DIT (Do it together) philosophy.
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Freight and insurance are the responsibility of the artist.
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Exhibitions are usually of 3 weeks duration and often launch alongside the exhibitions in our other two galleries.
Please see below a downloadable pdf of The Peoples Gallery Floor Plan with Dimensions
The Incubator Gallery
SOLO EXHIBITORS
A Launchpad for Artistic Futures
The Incubator Gallery is a curated platform dedicated to solo exhibitions by emerging and mid-career artists, offering vital space for creative risk-taking and public engagement. By blending traditional and contemporary art forms, we connect bold new voices with wider audiences—turning potential into recognition.
Why It Matters
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Empowers artists at pivotal career stages with professional exposure.
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Encourages experimentation, allowing creators to refine their practice.
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Bridges the gap between studio and audience, fostering meaningful dialogue.
Here, art isn’t just displayed—it’s cultivated, challenged, and celebrated.
Open for submissions year-round.
Artists must present:
A cohesive /thematic body of work – having worked towards this to present in a cohesive exhibition.
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Unless otherwise agreed, the Incubator will curate and hang all shows, reserving the right of selection of works up to the day of hanging.
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All artists/ groups wishing to exhibit in the Incubator Gallery must submit a proposal, through the online form. The Submission link is at the bottom of the page.
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Professional and emerging artists working in any medium are eligible to apply to exhibit at the Incubator Gallery.
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Artists may make applications that show a final body of work.
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Where a project is approved but yet to be developed, it is expected that artists will maintain close contact with the Incubator Management during the production period, and that the final work will remain true to the original concept approved, unless otherwise negotiated.
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Should there be a specific reason why an exhibition must take place within a particular time frame you should clearly indicate this in your application.
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It's a compulsory requirement for local artists or their representatives to be available to man the gallery on Saturday and Sundays.
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Freight and insurance are the responsibility of the artist.
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Exhibitions are usually of 3 weeks duration and often launch alongside the exhibitions in our other two galleries.
Please see below a downloadable pdf of The Incubator Gallery Floor Plan with Dimensions
The People's Gallery plans
Okorore - Ngā Toi Māori
Whare Taonga Gallery
GROUP & SOLO EXHIBITORS
The Whare Taonga Gallery is an intimate exhibtion setting within the Historic Okorore Ngā Toi Māori whare.
At Okorore Ngā Toi Māori – Whare Taonga Gallery we honour indigenous expression, we prioritise Māori and Indigenous ringatoi (artists), ensuring their stories, techniques, and perspectives thrive. This space fosters cross-cultural exchange, deepening appreciation for toi Māori while preserving its legacy for future generations.
There is the opportunity to exhibit pop up style shows.
The Exhibitions align with the Incubator Creative Hub monthly exhibitions cycle.
Our Gallery Kaitiaki is happy to korero about this to suit your needs.
Artists must submit through the online form in the first instance to be eligible.
The Incubator Gallery
The Pot House
Ceramic Artist Exhibition Gallery
GROUP & SOLO EXHIBITORS
The Pothouse Exhibitions Gallery
Bay of Plenty’s only dedicated ceramic art space, the Pothouse celebrates the beauty and skill of pottery, showcasing both local and national ceramic artists. Nestled in a charming historic villa within Tauranga’s Historic Village, this unique gallery sits alongside a working studio collective and a retail space where visitors can discover handmade ceramics.
A Flexible, Dynamic Space
The gallery features adjustable plinths, allowing the layout to adapt to each exhibition—whether an intimate solo show or a large group display. Artists are invited to submit proposals online for consideration, ensuring a diverse and high-quality programme.
The Pothouse Gallery
Disclaimer:
The Incubator Galleries are inclusive community spaces for the expression of artists.
Content or themes depicted in the art of individuals do not by default represent the views of the Incubator Creative Hub team, board or volunteers. We will not support activity that contravenes any sections of the NZ Human Rights Act 1993 .
