Ko wai mātou · About
Our kaupapa
Ātea is a Māori-led arts and community organisation, grounded in te ao Māori, open to all. We hold space for artists, for hapori, for the kaupapa that bring us together.
When Tāne separated his parents, he created te ātea: the space between Rangi and Papa, that was filled with light and all of creation.
We recognise this relationship and space in our name. Ātea is Māori-led and open to all, space for artists of every kind to make and show their mahi, space for the community to come together, space where mahi toi and people meet in the open.
From street parties to live sessions to hands-on wānanga, Ātea produces kaupapa that are grounded in te ao Māori and open to everyone. We back emerging creatives, we hold a home for the arts in our rohe, and we keep the ahi warm between the big moments.
Ngā uara · Our values
What holds us
Manaakitanga
Care & hospitality
Everyone who steps onto the ātea is welcomed and looked after. Kai is shared, mana is upheld.
Whanaungatanga
Connection
We build relationships across artists, whānau and the wider hapori: the kaupapa is held together by people.
Rangatiratanga
Self-determination
Māori creativity, told on our own terms. We resource our people to lead and to make.
Toi Māori
Living art
We treat art as a living practice: old forms and new, the contemporary and the customary, side by side.
Want to be part of it?
Artists, volunteers, partners and supporters, there's room on the ātea for you.