Te Wā | The Space

Te Wā | The Space sits in the heart of Ōtautahi, a city which has a history of artistic expression on the fringes, of ideas that flourish outside of mainstream appeal - ideas that fill the well of creativity from which we all draw.

There is a responsibility to celebrate these outlying expressions together as a community. We see an opportunity to cultivate this sphere of underground expression further under the guidance of Te Tiriti and experience of our ancestors. 

Te Wā is situated at 74 Hawdon Street in Sydenham, Ōtautahi. A two story building containing multiple multifunctional spaces. Incorporating a music studio, performance space, theatre/rehearsal rooms, and co-working areas, Te Wā provides an open space for our people to conceptualise, create, and collaborate through diverse methods.

You can expect:

* Community events * Experimental performances * Hui * Music production and DJ workshops * Rehearsal and studio spaces * Residencies * Wānanga

We have secured the site and to realise our vision we need to cover; 

• Fit out costs
• Lease costs
• Operating expenses
  

Our space is for everyone with a specific focus on Māori, Tagata Moana and Queer artists of Christchurch. With these groups in mind we seek to:

• Provide opportunity through education
• Provide resources through space and technology
• Allow audiences in Ōtautahi to experience experimental art and performance
• Align with Te Tiriti principles and commit to Māori governance in our work

This project is directed by a trust made up of people who stand with the values set for Te Wā and it’s community. 

Bea Gladding (NgāPuhi, Ngāti Porou) is our creative director. She has organised and driven many creative projects by, with and for tangata whenua, BIPOC and queer communities across the motu. She is also an established artist that works across music, theatre and performance art.

Josiah Morgan (Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Maniapoto) is a trustee for Te Wā and a queer interdisciplinary creative from Ōtautahi. Josiah is an author that has been writing for several years and has been involved with performing arts nearly his entire life. He is also co-founder of local publisher Nga Pukapuka Pekapeka.

Tayla Tuhikarama (Waikato-Tainui) is a trustee for Te Wā and is an established DJ, she plays under the alias Tikka. She also serves as an Executive member for the Māori Pharmacists Association. She is passionate about seeing postitive change for māori in all her roles. 

Shaun McTague (Tangata Tiriti) will be a technical director for Te Wā. Shaun is a well known DJ, producer and software developer. He’s passionate about sharing knowledge and resources to create a more equitable future for all. 

JOIN US IN BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR NEW AND EXCITING ARTISTS TO GROW IN ŌTAUTAHI