The Collaboration

On first glimpse, The Collaboration in New Plymouth could be passed off as just another beautiful space showcasing and selling artwork. But let’s get this straight – it’s so much more than that. This is a gallery, design store, and workshop that celebrates and cultivates the talent of aspiring, emerging and established artists and small businesses in the community.

Residing on Devon Street East in Ngāmotu New Plymouth, the space plays host to a 6-week rotation of popup events, a dynamic and ever-evolving programme that opens the door to a wider collective of artists looking to exhibit their work. Alongside more well-known names, the development of the Young Entrepreneurs and Aspiring Artist programmes invites young aspiring talents into the mix, giving them the confidence, knowledge and support needed to display their creations. Locals and visitors can also partake in creative workshops facilitated by artists, including clay days, painting, and printmaking.

The colourful exhibition and workshop space is complemented by a well-curated shopping experience, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to meet the maker and owner behind special creations. The collection ranges from paintings and sculptures to jewellery, homewares, clothing, thoughtful gifts and more. Newcomers regularly join The Collaboration village, so you’re bound to discover a different delight with each visit. 

At the heart of The Collaboration is, well, collaboration. While selling art and gifts is a key component of the business, everything comes back to people and a belief that great things happen when creativity is combined and strengths are shared. Owners Philippa Gray and Anna Scott started out in 2017 to establish a platform for local artists to grow, learn and be celebrated, and are living proof of the power of collaboration. 

Philippa, an accountant, and Anna, an art teacher, first met at the markets and decided to accelerate their side hustles together. The duo reawakened dormant CBD buildings with various popups across the year, but demand quickly soared and the community was hungry for a more permanent location. They signed a long-term lease for the Devon Street East digs just before Covid hit – a terrifying business experience that ultimately forced them to be resilient, adaptable and more people-focused than ever. They flourished amongst the turbulence.

“Our focus is and always will be the people and sharing their stories as makers, artists and small business innovators. All of our business decisions are pinned back to this kaupapa.” – Philippa Gray and Anna Scott.