Audacious Artist Project Proposals

Opportunity is now CLOSED.

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre wants to support arts projects that are bold, audacious and explorative.

We encourage artists and creatives to approach us with a view to presenting a creative project here at Te Matatiki Toi Ora. It might be a gig, a dance work, comedy, theatre, an exhibition or activation. It might be something that is cross-genre ... something that you can't pigeonhole. 

We're particularly interested in provocative, critical projects that explore contemporary issues (e.g., identity politics, the body, environment, technology, social or political critique) in a fresh way. 

We encourage Māori, Pacific, Asian and intersectional artists, ethnic and disability communities across artforms and practices to consider this opportunity. 

What we offer

In 2026, we have budget to pay around $3,000 - $5,000 in artist fees and any associated materials per project and have a maximum budget of $15,000.  

Selected projects must take place within our physical site (buildings and grounds) in Ōtautahi Christchurch or online space. Projects will use our facilities and production support free of charge. Click on the drop-down venues link here to learn more about our spaces. 

We’ll work with you to collaboratively plan all components of the project and support you to achieve your creative vision.

Kā Toi Māori programmes at Te Matatiki Toi Ora are supported by our Māori Advisory Kōmiti of senior Toi Māori practitioners, and we have a dedicated Māori arts space - Te Whare Tapere.

Process

There is no closing deadline for you to apply, but first in first served. The opportunity will close once we have spent up the pūtea! Our timeframes are flexible when it comes to project timeframes.

The Arts Centre creative team will assess projects as they come in and let you know of the outcome within a couple of weeks of submitting a proposal.