Summer

As part of our (almost) annual Summer group show, we are doing something a little bit different this year....We are helping our friends at Lifewise and Merge. They are our block neighbours just opposite us on Karangahape Rd and we see the great work they do in and for the local community.  Throughout 2025 we have seen too the substantial rise of numbers of people experiencing hardship.  

Today in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, homelessness is increasing at an alarming rate. In September 2024, 426 people were recorded as sleeping rough. By January 2025, the number had risen to 653. At mid-year, the figures from Auckland Council's quarterly update showed that as at the end of May 2025, the 6 providers with outreach capacity were working with 809 unsheltered clients who were sleeping in cars, streets and local parks.  That’s a 90% increase in eight months.

So this December, we are turning our window gallery space into a collection point for donations to help Lifewise to help those in need.  Matt Ellwood’s “Madonna and Child” (2013) will be featured overlooking what we hope will be, a growing pile of food and other useful items that can be distributed by Lifewise to those who need it – those who are currently living rough, or those recently housed who are getting back on their feet.

We will run an event Saturday 6 December that we hope you bring donations to.  And we will keep it open till we close for the year on Saturday 20 December when the donations will be delivered to Lifewise.  Suggested non-perishable items to be confirmed here shortly.

If you can't make it, but would still like to help, we suggest an online donation to their Christmas Appeal. Recent government budget cuts to social services have left many families more vulnerable, with reductions in food assistance, family support, housing advocacy, and mental health care. These crucial lifelines help prevent crises and support well-being. Lifewise is stepping in to fill these gaps—your donation helps provide the care and tools families need to stay safe and build brighter futures.  

Link to donate here: https://www.lifewise.org.nz/product/wc-donation-donate-to-lifewise/

As well, we will run our changing group exhibition inside, so there are a lots of reasons to visit and we hope you will come with any donation you are able to.  The exhibition will include new and earlier works by a range of artists. Further information to come...

We will be closed for a break and will reopen 28 January – 5 February.  We are happy to open by appointment where possible in January.  Exhibition is fluid and subject to change.  

Image of artwork by Matt Elwood.