Toi Auaha - A home for creativity - Toi Ōtautahi - The Virtual Arts Office For Christchurch

Toi Auaha is a welcoming central city community arts hub, where local artists from across disciplines can work, learn, connect and collaborate. A public facility run by the Christchurch City Council Arts Team, Toi Auaha provides affordable studios, space for arts community events, and actively supports Ngā Toi Māori. This heritage-listed building is also home to Te Tari Toi, Christchurch City Council’s arts office and an artist-run gallery.

If you’re creating in Ōtautahi and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū, Toi Auaha is your place. Each week, creative arts groups from across the city host a range of events in the community lounge and kitchen space. Come to one of our regular free workshops or social events, join one of the groups using the space, or hire Toi Auaha for your own group. If you would like to book a space to work on a creative project or host an event, or to enquire about leasing an artist studio, contact: ArtsAdvisors@ccc.govt.nz

Photographs: Janneth Gil

Our Studios

Our Studios

Studio hires range from $35 to $185 a week and can be shared between artists. The main leases have initial terms of up to three years. There is a ringatoi Māori office space that can be booked free of charge, and the possibility of one month hires for projects and exhibitions.

If you are interested in renting a studio, contact our Community Arts Advisors at ArtsAdvisors@ccc.govt.nz. Any questions or queries can be directed to the same address.

Meet the current residents

Toi Auaha offers affordable private studio spaces for artists and creative individuals and organisations

Our Community Spaces

Our Community Spaces

Toi Auaha’s lounge with shared kitchen space can be booked for $17.25 for a half day and $34.50 for a full day for events that are free for participants. Where a fee is charged this $27.60 per half day, and $69 per full. All prices include GST. If you are a commercial business, contact us as we can accommodate at a higher professional rate. To enquire or book contact: ArtsAdvisors@ccc.govt.nz

The lounge can be completely closed off from the rest of the building. It has a large screen TV with HDMI input and speakers, trestle tables, chairs and sofas. As it is carpeted, it is not appropriate for messy workshops. The kitchen, shared with Toi Auaha’s residents, is large with cooking facilities, crockery, glasses and cutlery, and two large tables. The ground floor has an accessible entrance and toilet.

Toi Auaha has a large comfortable lounge with a kitchen that can be booked at low rates for arts and creative non-profit groups for meetings, workshops and events.