Tātou Tātou e asks the questions many of us are already thinking about: What does it take to be an artist in Wellington today?

Are we building a city where creativity can truly thrive, or merely survive?

Bringing together artists, creative practitioners, arts organisations, funders, producers, and cultural leaders, this monthly gathering creates space for courageous conversation about the challenges, opportunities, and future of our creative sector. Join us as we challenge assumptions, share perspectives, and collectively imagine what comes next for arts and culture in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Tātou Tātou e, come, network and whakawhiti kōrero.

Grounded in mana whenua kaupapa, this gathering begins with cultural integrity and opens out to the wider sector. Toi Aro is not the centre it is one of many catalysts in Wellington. The strength of our future lies in our relationships, our collaborations, and our shared responsibility.

The focus is simple: Sustaining Practice.
Not theoretical, but the real, lived experience of making and maintaining creative work. What is supporting us? What is challenging us? What do we need from each other?

Through short provocations and guided kōrero, people are invited to speak openly and honestly. The space is designed for connection and a weaving of conversations across disciplines, generations, and communities. This is a space to exchange, to name what we need, what we can offer, and where we can stand together.

From here opportunities may arise; solutions may be offered. The Kaupapa is whanaungatanga - networking itself strengthened, visible, and alive.

This is the beginning of a monthly kōrero and at its heart, Tātou Tātou e holds a simple truth: if the arts sector in Pōneke is to thrive, it must be sustained collectively.

We're keen to hear your thoughts so the floor will be open for discussion.

Sector Sharing (5 - 6mins each) - Questions for your consideration:

Who’s who? Whanaungatanga intros
Who defines us? Wellington isn’t one arts sector – it's many. Who holds the power to define us—and who should?
What are your current needs?
What sustains your creative practice?
What would the Wellington arts sector look like if funding disappeared tomorrow? - who would still be making?, and why?
What are you currently working on?
Who would you like to collaborate with?
Any resources you can offer to the arts community?

Free but Limited Capacity – please register here

Contact the host of Tātou Tātou E – Arts sector gathering