About CollaboratioNZ
CollaboratioNZ is a charitable, artist-led organisation that brings together Aotearoa and international artists for a week of intensive collaborative creation, knowledge exchange, and community engagement.
We create a unique environment where artists from diverse traditions, mediums, and cultures work side by side - exploring new ideas, learning from one another, and expanding what is possible through shared creativity.
Visitors and community members are also welcomed into this creative world, with opportunities to see, learn, and be inspired by the collaborative process.
Our Story
CollaboratioNZ was born from a desire to bring artists together beyond the boundaries of their usual studios and disciplines. Since its beginnings in 1998, the event has grown into a trusted international creative gathering.
Across the years, hundreds of makers have lived and worked together on-site, forming lifelong friendships, professional networks, and collaborative partnerships that continue well beyond the event. Each iteration brings new faces, returning artists, and fresh energy - building an ever-evolving community of learners, teachers, and innovators.
Our Values
Collaboration
The heart of every interaction and every artwork
Skill, Tradition & Innovation
Honouring where knowledge comes from while exploring where it can go
Interdisciplinary Exchange
Learning across mediums and approaches
Cultural Understanding
Respecting and learning from multiple perspectives
Community
Strengthening artistic and local communities through shared creativity
These values guide our decisions, shape our experiences, and ground our purpose.
Meets regularly to manage planning and governance
Coordinates event logistics, artist liaison, and community outreach
Oversees fundraising and financial stewardship
Ensures long-term sustainability and responsible delivery
Our mission is to advance, preserve, and share artistic skills
through cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Our Charitable Trust
CollaboratioNZ events are governed by the CollaboratioNZ Charitable Trust. This trust is made up of dedicated artists who volunteer significant time and expertise to create an environment where creativity and community flourish. As an organisation, we are committed to ongoing development - enhancing our arts offering and building meaningful, long-term engagement with our community.
Every two years, the Trust hosts a major collaborative art event in Whangārei Heads, bringing together artists across disciplines, cultures, and generations. The Trust oversees all aspects of the event - from artist selection and logistics to fundraising, community engagement, and long-term sustainability. Our volunteers’ commitment ensures that the event continues to grow, evolve and serve both artists and the wider public.
The CollaboratioNZ Trust:
Cross-disciplinary and
intercultural exchange
Mentorship and skill-sharing
across generations
Hands-on experimentation with both traditional and cutting-edge processes
Collective problem-solving
and co-creation
A public Open Day and Auction where visitors can witness the making and the outcomes
The result is a dynamic environment that transforms how artists think, create, and connect
- with lasting benefits for the region and for Aotearoa’s creative landscape.
We create opportunities for:
Skill transfer between generations
Intercultural and interdisciplinary exchange
Innovation and experimentation
Community involvement and public access to the arts
Professional development opportunities for artists
We honour tradition while opening doors to new innovation.
What We Do
For one immersive week, artists live and work together on-site, sharing tools, techniques, and ideas.
The CollaboratioNZ Trust coordinates all logistics, planning, artist support, and community outreach.
Our collaborative model invites:
Community Impact
Strengthening regional creative networks
CollaboratioNZ fosters meaningful professional connections and creative synergy across Northland’s arts ecosystem, including NorthTec: Tai Tokerau Wānanga, Te Kōwhai Print Trust (TKPT), Creative Northland, Hihiaua Cultural Centre, and many local artist-led businesses.
We also work closely with an incredible group of resource artists - many based in Northland and others joining from across Aotearoa - who bring specialised skills and generously support participants throughout the event.
Increasing public access to the arts
Our Open Day provides free public access to artmaking in action, inviting the community to observe, learn from, and engage with artists from Aotearoa and around the world.
Engaging tamariki, whānau, and visitors
We actively connect with local schools, families, and visitors, creating opportunities for learning, inspiration, and hands-on creative experiences.
Strengthening Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Te Tai Tokerau (Northland’s) creative identity
By bringing international and national artists together in Whangārei, CollaboratioNZ helps elevate and celebrate Te Tai Tokerau as a thriving centre for creative excellence, while also enhancing Aotearoa’s visibility and reputation in the international arts community.
Growing cultural understanding and appreciation
Collaborative, cross-cultural making deepens respect for diverse traditions, skill sets, and worldviews - building stronger, more connected communities.
Artist Impact
Skill and Knowledge Exchange
Artists share and transfer skills, traditional knowledge, and specialised techniques across disciplines and generations.
Innovation Through Collaboration
Working side-by-side sparks new methods, processes, and creative approaches that extend each artist’s practice.
Stronger Professional Networks
Participants build lasting relationships that lead to future collaborations, commissions, exhibitions, and opportunities.
Support for Emerging Artists
Early-career artists gain mentorship, guidance, and hands-on experience within a supportive, artist-led environment.
Economic & Cultural Impact
Bringing Artists to Northland
Each event attracts national and international artists, bringing new perspectives, connections, and creative energy into the region.
Showcasing Aotearoa’s Creative Leadership
CollaboratioNZ helps elevate New Zealand’s global reputation for innovative, collaborative arts practice, demonstrating the strength and originality of our creative communities.
Boosting the Local Economy
The influx of visitors generates activity across accommodation, hospitality, retail, and tourism - directly supporting Northland businesses.
In addition, the event delivers direct economic benefits to the region through our extensive use of local suppliers, including printers, tool and material suppliers, caterers, transport providers, electricians, marquee hire, and other specialist services. This local-first approach ensures the event’s financial impact stays within the community.
Enriches artists' practices
Preserves and extends skills
across generations
Builds cross-cultural and
interdisciplinary understanding
Encourages innovation through
shared experimentation
Strengthens communities through
cooperation and connection
Your support directly enables these outcomes.
We welcome partnerships with funders, sponsors, philanthropic groups, and community organisations who share our commitment to creativity, culture, and collaboration.
Let’s work together to shape a vibrant, connected artistic future.
Why Collaboration Matters
Collaboration is a powerful driver of cultural, artistic, and social development. It:
Together, we can continue to grow creativity, artistic skills, knowledge,
and community in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
About the CollaboratioNZ Charitable Trust
Formed in 1988 by Graeme Priddle, Garth Dobney, Candice Kay, Anthony Vaughn, and Shona Firman, the CollaboratioNZ Charitable Trust exists to support and elevate collaborative artmaking. The CollaboratioNZ Trust provides the venue, accommodation, tooling, and raw materials that empower artists to come together and create world-class work for exhibition and sale.
Its flagship event, the biennial CollaboratioNZ art event culminates in an art auction where collaboratively created works are offered for sale. Funds raised directly support future collaboration events and contribute to art scholarships, helping new generations of artists access opportunities to learn, experiment, and grow their practice.
Guided by a commitment to stewardship and community benefit, the CollaboratioNZ Trust works year-round to raise public awareness and appreciation of the arts - ensuring that creativity, skill, and innovation continue to thrive for future generations.