CollaboratioNZ
Creating Together. Learning Together. Sharing Together.
Who We Are
CollaboratioNZ is a biennial art event set in a beautiful beachfront location beneath Mt Manaia, Whangarei Heads, NZ.
The event brings together New Zealand and international artists to share skills, learn from each other, and create unique collaborative works of art. These artists work side by side across a rich spectrum of mediums - including ceramics, eco-dyeing, electronics, fibre, furniture, glass, jewellery, metal, painting, printmaking, weaving and wood.
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United by curiosity and a shared belief in the power of making, we bring together diverse perspectives, cultures, and techniques to create work that none of us could make alone. It’s a time for artistic growth, creative exchange, experimentation, and connection. The result is a vibrant celebration of art and innovation, inspired by one of New Zealand’s most stunning natural settings.
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At CollaboratioNZ, collaboration isn’t a method - it’s our artform.
Our Mission
To advance and pass on artistic skills and processes through collaborative creation and to open that creativity to the public, allowing people to witness, learn from, and be inspired by the evolving process of making art together.
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We exist to:
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foster creative exchange between local and international artists
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support the development and preservation of skilled craft practices
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provide community access to creative learning
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showcase the beauty and impact of collaborative art
What We Do
Live On-Site
During our multi-day collaboration events, artists live and work shoulder-to-shoulder in an open studio environment - sharing tools, techniques, ideas, and cultural perspectives.
The exchange is immediate, hands-on, and transformative.
Public Viewing
Members of the public are invited to step inside the creative process on our Public Open Day. Visitors can watch work unfold in real time, ask questions, and gain insight into materials and methods rarely seen behind the scenes.
Skill Sharing & Mentorship
Emerging makers, fellow artists, and community members engage with skilled practitioners from around the world, ensuring vital skills are passed on and sustained.
​Exhibitions & Sales
Completed collaborative works are exhibited and made available for purchase in our auction at event end. Proceeds from this auction are reinvested into CollaboratioNZ ensuring continuation of the event and support for future artists.
Why Collaboration Matters
Collaboration enriches artists’ practices while preserving, extending, and sharing skills across generations.
Through working and living together, we build cultural and interdisciplinary understanding.
Collaboration thrives on cooperation, innovation, dedication and perseverance - strengthening communities!
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi
Engari taki toa i te takitini e!
My success is not mine alone
but that of many collaborators.
Testimonials
​In comparison to similar events held internationally that I have attended, I have found the NZ “collab” as it is parochially known, to rival any I have attended abroad.
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The formula is simple; artists are permitted to create in a totally unfettered way, works from raw materials provided by the hosts and other attending artists.
While there seems to be no structure in how things are created, incredibly beautiful pieces of art spring from totally unlikely eclectic associations within the attending group.
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To have the chance to work with ‘top of their game’ international artists, who make time in their busy schedules to attend this event, is an amazing privilege.
I can’t stress enough the wonderful opportunity such contact with talented international artists affords people such as myself, and other kiwi artists who are lucky enough to attend.
Dr Lyonel Grant – renowned Maori carver
2009 Arts Foundation Laureate
Tena koutou,
I have for several years been an active participant in the bi-annual gatherings that attract both international and local artists. These events create an environment whereby practitioners of various disciplines come together and create unique works of art. The relationships developed are enduring and imbue a very strong sense of community amongst the participants.
Nga mihi
Alex Nathan ONZM
What an absolute delight to combine a travel across the globe from the US in 2023 with Auckland’s museums and a stint in the north at Collab NZ making in response to cultural learning, the landscape and community. With having a good case of wanderlust contrasting my solo studio existence, this was the very first time combining travel with actual making and not just sponging inspiration to take home. Offering up the objects made that captured this convergence to the auction benefiting the next collab brought it full circle. Forever grateful for the invite 😊
Lisa Klakulak, USA
Join Us
Whether you're an artist, supporter, funder, or visitor, you are warmly invited into our world of collaborative creation. Let’s continue building a future where artistic knowledge is shared, celebrated, and passed on - together.