As Christchurch’s Toi Auaha Rolleston House celebrates its three-year anniversary, it’s calling for expressions of interest from local artists and creatives interested in hiring studios.
The heritage-listed building at 5 Worcester Boulevard has been a community arts venue for the last three years, providing studios for up to 18 artists.
Photographer and Engineer, Janneth Gil, has been in the central city heritage building for three years and says having a space at Toi Auaha has been a dream come true.
“The accessibility and low rates of my studio at Toi Auaha are absolutely essential infrastructure for me,” she said.
“I’m an artist with invisible and complex chronic needs, and my artistic practice is focused on positive social change – this resource is a critical enabler. Without it, my health conditions would make any substantial public contribution almost impossible.”
Ms Gil is an Art and Visual Heritage Documentarian – a specialised professional whose primary mission is to safeguard cultural legacies and ensure identity continuity.
She works as a community engaged artist and photographer, specialising in challenging discrimination and fostering dialogue while directly engaging with a broad variety of communities.
“The historical record of art, culture and community life is highly vulnerable to loss, decay and digital obsolescence, making this a crucial role,” she says.
Her recent work includes the Darkness into Light Project, where Janneth aimed to find ways to sustain the support shown towards the people affected by the March 15 attacks, working with them to have their voices heard and stories told.
“The studio provides a neutral and safe space, crucial for cultural and community-focused art, that is non-commercial and Council-supported, lending trust and legitimacy to sensitive conversations about tolerance and inclusivity.”
“The Toi Auaha studio is a workplace that converts potential limitations into active contributions.
“It is a vital link that ensures I, as one of Christchurch’s most awarded and socially committed advocates and artists, can continue to create, engage and empower the diverse communities of Ōtautahi.”
Private spaces at this central city heritage building range from $35 to $185 a week. Currently available is one small space at $35 and spaces ranging from $80 to $120 a week. This includes use of a large communal kitchen, showers, garden, bike storage, and free hire of Toi Auaha’s lounge for meetings and events.
A tour of the space for those interested is on Thursday 23 October at 4pm. Meet in the foyer of Toi Auaha’s front entrance at 5 Worcester Boulevard.
For further information and/or an expression of interest form, please contact ArtsAdvisors@ccc.govt.nz. Expressions of interest close on 30 October.
