Before you apply

We look for artists who share our appreciation for this special place — who understand that being here is a privilege, not a right, and that being part of this community means contributing to it, not just occupying space within it. That spirit of manaakitanga, kotahitanga and kaitiakitanga is what makes this place unlike anywhere else.

If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you
 

About the Incubator

The Incubator Creative Hub is a thriving arts precinct within the Historic Village, Tauranga — a collective, supportive environment and platform for exhibitions, performances, and the working practice of independent artists, makers, and creatives.

We are a charitable trust and not-for-profit organisation operating on a D.I.T. (Do It Together) philosophy. We are big on collaboration, connection, and community — and everything we do is in service of our artists and the wider Tauranga community.

Studio contributions go directly toward the operational costs of maintaining and running these spaces — keeping them affordable, accessible, and humming with creative energy for everyone who holds space here.

Our vision

To showcase and celebrate the working lives of creatives, artisans and makers — making the Historic Village a destination where visitors can engage with art in its most authentic form: being made, right in front of them.

We offer a fresh approach to artist residencies — one that connects artists directly with their audience, provides genuine retail and exhibition opportunities, and offers real pathways for creatives to grow sustainable careers. The Incubator is open to all creative forms — fine art, design, fashion, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, digital media, and more.

Residents are by default part of a progressive, positive arts and culture movement — willingly contributing to collaborations, community outcomes, and the cross-pollination of ideas that makes this place thrive.

Studio details

Studios are unique character spaces tailored to suit each resident's distinct practice. They are professional, publicly accessible spaces — open to visitors and the community as part of the living, working village.

Studios are applied for and accepted on a case-by-case basis at The Incubator's discretion.

Applications:
Studios are applied for and accepted on a case by case basis at The Incubator’s discretion.

Kaupapa 

To be considered for a studio residency, you should be:

• A committed, practising artist, artisan, or creative whose work is active and ongoing. These are professional creative spaces open to the public — not office or wellness spaces.

• Available to be present and willing to be part of an arts movement that involves volunteering for the wider support of others and Incubator activities from time to time.

• Prepared to be open and to lend a hand for significant Village events that help put our arts destination on the map — Waitangi Day, Jazz Village, Multicultural Festival, Tauranga Fringe Festival, and others.

• Willing to develop or participate in at least one collaborative event or project per year — with fellow residents, the wider community, or both.

• Open to contributing voluntarily to at least one community event per year where your skills can make a genuine difference.

• Genuinely supportive of your fellow artists — attending exhibition launches, helping at events, showing up for each other. Just as we show up for you.