OPEN CALL FOR PROPOSALS: 2026

Te Whare Taonga o Waiheke–Waiheke Art Gallery (WAG) is calling for exhibition proposals from emerging and established artists, groups, and collectives for our 2026/2027 programme.

WAG is a not-for-profit Incorporated Society registered as a Charitable Trust. It is owned by the Society membership and run by a full-time director and a small number of part time paid staff supported by many unpaid volunteers. Our exhibition programme is partially funded by commission on sales, membership fees, donations, Auckland Council and Waiheke Local Board support and other contestable grants for specific projects. 

The first call for exhibition proposals for 2026 will be open from Friday 20 February 2026 with the deadline for submissions on Friday 17 April 2026.

Successful proposals will be for the exhibition programme taking place in the second half of 2026.

The next call for proposals will take place in February 2027.

 

EXHIBITION PROGRAMME

Our programme includes exhibitions from local and international artists, students and community organizations and informed by our vision of Connecting people through art to the essence of Waiheke. We deliver this through strategic priorities focussed on our partnerships, environmental & financial sustainability, fostering engagement & participation, celebrating our unique identity, and building creative capability.

We have 3 exhibition spaces able to be activated for single or multiple exhibitions, solo or group shows. Our programme includes invited and curated exhibitions, open-entry exhibitions, the annual Members' show, artist - initiated exhibitions and two National Award exhibitions–Walker & Hall Art Award and Perpetual Guardian Small Sculpture Prize.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please email a single PDF file that includes the following contents, supporting images and links. (Please note files must be under 5MB to be received via email, otherwise please use a service such as WeTransfer.com) 

• A written description of the exhibition you are proposing, 2 paragraphs min. – 2 pages max.

• An artist bio or CV about yourself and any others involved in the proposed exhibition.
• Max 4 supporting images of previous works per artist, and any working images or plans on proposed work.
• Relevant documentation included as a URL in your PDF (e.g., reviews, links to websites or previous exhibition documentation).
• Contact details for yourself and others involved in the project,
• Details of any project funding you will be seeking to support your proposed exhibition.
• Months in 2026 and 2027 when you will be unavailable or exhibiting elsewhere.                                       

Please email your submission to [email protected]

 

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Curatorial guidance to develop your exhibition including cataloguing, labels and text panels.
• On-site technician for Install + De-install team.
• Inclusion in the WCAG marketing strategy and promotion to our community through print and digital channels.
• Opening Reception (Including refreshments).
• Gallery programming specific to your exhibition.
• Opportunity to sell your work–there is a 40% commission (GST inclusive) on sales.

For any enquiries, please contact [email protected]

 

Our gallery team will assess all exhibition proposals and get back to you by Friday July 3, 2026.

 

You can download the information form here.