The Performance Arcade announces its open call to artists from Aotearoa and around the world for its 2026 programme of works (open from 19 February - 1 March).  

Applications are open for artists working in performance art, theatre, dance, social sculpture, installation, circus arts, public intervention, and other practices that engage live relationships with audience and space. These works can be in shipping containers, on one of our stage spaces, or travelling the waterfront environment. Artists are offered up to NZ$5000 each for presentation of their works. All proposals are reviewed by The Performance Arcade Creative Council: Hinemoana Baker, Tiaki Kerei, Charles Koroneho, Miranda Manasiadis, Melody Nixon, and Sam Trubridge.​
 

The Performance Arcade is an annual exhibition and festival programme of events located on Wellington Waterfront, with ten years of successful presentations from 2011-2025. Our hybrid gallery/stage architecture is made from an assembly of shipping containers that create a series of spaces for installation, performance art, sonic art, interactive media, video-art, forums, theatre, dance, and live music. Opening onto the bustling Wellington Waterfront, these sites of encounter engage the public in contemporary art and performance practices outside the familiar constraints of gallery or theatre spaces, visited by 50-90,000 people each year.

We recognise the Mana Whenua of Te Upoko-o-te-Ika-a-Maui (Te Ati Awa, Taranaki Iwi, Ngai Tara) where we present our work every year, and are committed to actively promoting diversity, accessibility, and inclusivity in the presentation of artists and audience experience of our event.
 

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

 

1 PROPOSALS: We welcome proposals for new works, or the re-presentation of existing works.

2 PROGRAMMING: Artists can present in SESSION 1 (19-22 Feb), SESSION 2 (26 Feb - 1 Mar), or BOTH SESSIONS. There are four programmes that artists can submit for - The Container Series (for all works in shipping containers), The Waterfront Series (performance works not located in containers, Stage Series (that utilise our container stage), and Live Music Series (on the container stage as well). In 2026, our stage will feature a bespoke attachment designed by Colossal Productions, creating a 10-metre rigging point suitable for aerial performance [see here for images].

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3 SUPPORT: The presenting company for the event is The Playground NZ, who provides ‘umbrella’ management and resources for the selected works. This support includes container hire and delivery, exterior architecture, engineering, signage, security, curation, marketing, personnel, some shared materials, and other site-related organisation. Realisation and management of individual works are the responsibility of each artist. This involves sourcing funding, equipment, expertise, and labor for the creation of each work, as well as maintaining and supervising it over the course of the event.

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4 FINANCIAL: The Performance Arcade offers artists up to NZ$5000 to cover the costs of presenting their work, and can assist artists in sourcing other funds if required. Please note that we do not cover development costs for works, and try to maintain pay/fee equity between all parts of the event - aiming at the full time income of NZ$1000-1200 per week of  work for our contributors.

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5 PROCESS: A series of meetings, workshops and presentation opportunities will run from September 2025 until the opening of the Arcade. These help develop the curatorial vision, builds a collaborative community, and helps us rehearse or prepare for the event together. 

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6 EXPECTATIONS: It is a condition of inclusion in The Performance Arcade 2026 that selected artists attend all programmed workshops and meetings, are available to set-up their work from 16-18 February, and can supervise their work while it is being presented. Artists presenting in the second session only (26 Feb - 1 Mar) will set up from 23-25 February. Artists not resident in Wellington can attend workshops online. All works in shipping containers must be open from 10am-10pm daily, or as outlined in the final presentation schedule.

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7 INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS: For international artists, we provide accommodation for the duration of event. With the logistics involved in bringing a work from overseas we welcome early submissions and enquiries from artists outside NZ.

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APPLY NOW

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STEP 1: complete a proposal document with the below information included
 

1. Name/s of artists and proposed work.

2. Contact phone number/s and email addresses.

3. Personnel Involved: please include bios for your team

4. Synopsis of proposed work (500 words )

5. A detailed budget that specifies how you will resource the project. Provide commentary if necessary.

6. A technical inventory (all electrical devices and equipment used)

7. Plans, sections, and diagrams of the proposed use of your container, and/or images of how the work will be realised.

8. Additional material to support your proposal, which can include video, audio, atmospheric imagery, details of kinetic elements, technical setup or other specific features.

9. Other notes of interest: please let us know if there is anything else you would like to contribute in addition to the proposed work.

10. 3-4 images that can be used to promote your work on our website and social media.

 

STEP 2: Submit your completed proposal document in the Application Portal below

Please use PDF or JPEG file formats only.

Applications are due by 5.00pm 28 August 2025 (NZ time)

For queries contact: theplaygroundnz@gmail.com / + 64(0)210653992  

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SELECTION CRITERIA
 

• Strength and relevance of concept within contemporary performance, art, and cultural practices

• Detailed and feasible design/installation/performance proposal

• Clear budget with a realistic resourcing plan

• Contribution to the kaupapa of the Arcade
   

Proposals are reviewed by The Performance Arcade Creative Council: Hinemoana Baker, Tiaki Kerei, Charles Koroneho, Miranda Manasiadis, and Melody Nixon, working with Executive Director Sam Trubridge and others from of the PA2026 creative team.​​​​