ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE PROGRAMME

Our resident artists are the lifeblood of The Incubator Creative Hub — a thriving, self-sustaining collective of professional makers across painting, sculpture, ceramics, Toi Māori, textiles, photography, digital media and beyond.

More than just studio spaces, we have built an ecosystem where art is both passion and trade. Emerging and established artists work side-by-side in our unique character studios, developing sustainable creative careers and supporting their own wellness while contributing to one of Aotearoa's most visited arts destinations.

Visitors witness the creative process in action. This is where artists become tradespeople, where hobbyists grow into professionals, and where creativity becomes a living, breathing part of our city.
 

A community, not just a space

Our Artist in Residence programme is built on a simple but powerful kaupapa — that creative spaces thrive when the people in them are genuinely invested in each other and in the wider community.

Our resident artists are appreciated for their commitment, their craft, and their willingness to be part of something bigger than their individual practice. In return, they receive affordable studio space, a built-in audience, promotional support, and a whānau of fellow creatives around them.
 

Sharing the love 

Our resident artists are not passive occupants — they are active contributors. Studio spaces are self-funded, and beyond that they give generously of their time, energy, creativity and community spirit. This is the heartbeat of our kaupapa — artists who show up for each other and help amplify the power of community arts.
 

A positive history 

We are proud that over 109 artists have held space with us since 2013 — from short-term study placements and international residencies, to artists who have been with us since the very beginning, some for the full thirteen years. Our community is a beautiful mix of the transient and the enduring, and the vast majority of our artists go on to thrive, grow, and remain part of our whānau long after their residency ends.
 

Holding space is a privilege we take seriously

The Historic Village is one of Tauranga's most treasured community assets, and we are honoured to be part of it. We acknowledge and respect the whenua on which we stand, and the mana of Ngāi Tamarawaho as tangata whenua of this place. Our partnership with the Village and its kaitiaki, Tauranga City Council, is something we hold with enormous pride and respect — and it's a value we see reflected in all our artists.