The Artist-Run Galleries Worth Visiting Throughout New Zealand

Fiksate is a gallery that typifies artist-run initiatives, holding regular exhibitions and providing a collaborative workspace for the group of artists operating the space. Urban art is heroed at Fiksate, with many of the pieces of work created by artists who are influenced by street art and graffiti.

The crew of artists at Fiksate are passionate about having displays and an inventory of pieces by local and international artists alike. They want art to be accessible and to spotlight the range and talent of urban artists. Fiksate also offers additional services such as framing, custom murals and work by commission. So it is well worth stopping by this inviting place in Christchurch’s Sydenham, and, who knows, you might just walk out with an urban art find of your own.

As one of the earliest artist-run galleries n the country, Dunedin’s Blue Oyster has a well-earned reputation for supporting experimental and innovative art practices. Set up as a non-profit art project space, enables this gallery to support emerging artists and allow creativity to reign, free from commercial goals. Blue Oyster is committed to providing a programme each year that is full of diverse exhibitions, alongside hosting events such as artist talks and also producing their own publications.

Speaking of well-established artist-run galleries, RM in Auckland does in fact hold the honour of being the longest-running artist-run gallery in the country, having first opened its doors in 1997. RM is a cooperative, operated by a group of member artists whose goal is to provide a place to support emerging artists as well as showcase more well-known creatives. RM is also focused on their gallery archive, ensuring its preservation and that the work from years gone by lives on and is celebrated.

Another stalwart on the New Zealand artist-run scene is Wellington’s Enjoy, first established in 2000. They are a non-profit organisation that is not only dedicated to the exhibiting of contemporary art, but dedicated to the development of the practice too. 

They regularly hold exhibitions, events, artist residencies and many other activities to further discussion around contemporary art and to expose audiences to new ideas, all whilst supporting emerging artists and providing them with a platform. Located in the heart of Wellington’s city centre, surrounded by a creative community, Enjoy is doing incredible work, and is well worth a visit to expand and challenge your own ideas on what contemporary art can be.

Meanwhile Gallery, found in the centre of Wellington, is an artist-run enterprise that provides gallery, event and studio space to nurture emerging talent both locally from Aotearoa and internationally.

They also support contemporary art practices, alongside writing and curation, and offer opportunities for volunteers to become involved in the gallery's work. These opportunities include helping with art installations for events, and may lead to further possibilities for volunteers to be involved with their own work and ideas. Keep an eye out on their socials too, as they often host markets showcasing other creatives and the work they are producing.

With almost twenty years of experience in the art world, Don Service, is an artist, designer and technician. He is also the proud owner of RightSide Gallery on Christchurch’s St Asaph Street, which is dedicated to representing and exhibiting the work of both prominent and emerging artists. This includes an exhibition programme of various mediums from painting and prints to sculptures. His own work is also on display, and Service is well known for his wall-hanging sculptures that draw on inspiration from the natural world and materials.