The Performance Arcade announces its open call to artists from Aotearoa and around the world for its 2027 programme of works, open from 24-28 February on Wellington Waterfront, Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa NZ. Applications are open for artists working in performance art, theatre, dance, social sculpture, installation, public intervention, and other practices that engage live relationships with audience and space. A separate call will be sent out for musicians in a few weeks time.

Due to not receiving Creative NZ funding, we will be focussing on a smaller-scale delivery for 2027 that engages in a co-production relationship with our selected artists. A maximum of $1000 can be offered to assist with costs where needed. However, we are encouraging artists to resource their own works this year, and to apply for their own presentation funding. We can offer assistance with this through writing letters of support, guidance, and feedback on applications.  

NZ artists can consider the following funds:
CNZ CREATIVE IMPACT FUND (Opens 17 Aug, closes 17 Sep) 
CNZ EARLY CAREER FUND (Opens 31 Aug, closes 1 Oct)
WCC CREATIVE COMMUNITIES FUND (Open now, closes 27 Aug) 
See here for more funds that can applied for across Aotearoa New Zealand
 

The Performance Arcade is an annual exhibition and festival programme of events located on Wellington Waterfront, with sixteen years of successful presentations from 2011-2026. 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.
 

INFORMATION

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

2 PROGRAMMING: The event dates are 24-28 February. 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), the Dusk to Dawn AV Series (projected onto the side of Te Tapa Tongarewa), The BodyBox (for performances with shorter duration), and Te Ara Moana Moves (a 7m x 7m outdoor dance floor). A later call will focus on the Live Music Series (on a specially built container stage). 
 

​3 SUPPORT: The presenting company for the event is The Playground NZ, who provides ‘umbrella’ management of the event. In 2027 we will rely on selected artists to resource their own works by covering all logistical costs and resources for presenting their work. Where possible, we will cover container hire and delivery, exterior architecture, engineering, signage, security, curation, marketing, personnel, and other site-related organisation. Realisation and management of individual works are the responsibility of each artist. 

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4 FINANCIAL: The Performance Arcade will offer artists up to NZ$1000 where needed. A list of funds that artists can apply for is provided above, and we are happy to assist artists sourcing funds. ​
 

5 PROCESS: A series of meetings, and workshops will run from November 2026 until the opening of the Arcade. These help to develop the curatorial vision, builds a collaborative community, and allow 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 22-24 February, and can supervise their work while it is being presented. 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 EARLY APPLICATIONS: We welcome early submissions and enquiries from artists outside NZ.

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8 CONTAINERS: For information on the different kinds of containers available, and their dimensions - please visit the Boxman website here.

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APPLICATION GUIDE

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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. 3-5 images that can be used to promote your work on our website and social media.

 

STEP 2: Fill in the form linked below, attach your completed proposal document on the final page, and submit by the closing date. Artists can have their work considered early if they are hoping to apply for funding at an earlier date (eg. Creative Communities on 27 August).

APPLICATION FORM LINK - PERFORMANCE

Please use PDF or JPEG file formats only.

Applications are due by 5.00pm 28 August 2026 (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: Tiaki Kerei, Miranda Manasiadis, and Mumu Moore, working with Executive Director Sam Trubridge and others from the PA2027 creative team.​​​​