The Performance Arcade 2027 — Call for Performance Proposals

The Performance Arcade is calling for proposals from artists in Aotearoa and around the world for its 2027 programme. Now in its sixteenth year, the Arcade takes place on the Wellington Waterfront (Te Whanganui-a-Tara) from 24–28 February 2027, presenting work inside and around a signature architecture of repurposed shipping containers that attracts 50,000–90,000 visitors each year.

This year's edition will be a smaller-scale co-production model. Due to not receiving Creative NZ funding, The Performance Arcade is asking artists to resource their own works where possible. Up to NZD $1,000 is available per artist where there is genuine need, and the team can provide letters of support and guidance for artists applying to their own funding sources.

Applications are welcome across five programme strands

• The Container Series — works presented inside shipping containers
• The Waterfront Series — performance works in outdoor public spaces
• Dusk to Dawn AV Series — projected work onto Te Papa Tongarewa
• The BodyBox — shorter-duration performances
• Te Ara Moana Moves — a 7m × 7m outdoor dance floor

A separate call for the Live Music Series will follow in the coming weeks.

Both new works and re-presentations of existing works are welcome. Selected artists must attend a series of workshops and meetings from November 2026 through to opening, and be available to install from 22–24 February. Wellington-based works in containers must be open 10am–10pm daily. Artists based outside Wellington can attend preparatory meetings online.

Your proposal should include artist bios, a 500-word synopsis, a detailed budget, technical inventory, spatial plans or diagrams, and 3–5 promotional images.

NZ-based artists are encouraged to apply to the CNZ Creative Impact Fund (closes 17 Sep), CNZ Early Career Fund (closes 1 Oct), or WCC Creative Communities Fund (closes 27 Aug) to supplement their costs.

For early consideration — especially if you need to apply to Creative Communities by 27 August — submit your proposal ahead of the main deadline.

Selection is made by The Performance Arcade Creative Council: Tiaki Kerei, Miranda Manasiadis, and Mumu Moore, alongside Executive Director Sam Trubridge and the wider creative team.

For enquiries: theplaygroundnz@gmail.com or +64 (0)21 065 3992