Stories from the Studios

A closer look at the artists, makers and creative spaces that make West Auckland such an interesting place.

Discover artist stories, exhibitions, creative insights and ideas to support your own artistic practice. Celebrating our creative community all year round.

What You'll Find Here

Artist Stories
Meet the people behind the work through artist interviews, studio visits and behind-the-scenes stories exploring their creative practices and projects.

Creative Resources
Practical tips, advice and resources to help artists develop their practice, promote their work and explore new opportunities.

What's Happening
Stay up to date with local exhibitions, workshops, open calls, artist achievements and news from West Auckland's creative community.

Have something to share? We'd love to hear about your latest projects, exhibitions or opportunities.

Get in touch

Latest Stories

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Inside the Studio with Jago Neal
Inside the Studio with Jago Neal

Meet Jago Neal, a multidisciplinary artist, illustrator and photographer based in West Auckland. From photography and traditional darkroom techniques to painting, drawing and collage, Jago's work explores the relationship between observation, imagination and the natural world.

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Behind the Scenes with Champion Knives
Behind the Scenes with Champion Knives

Fire, steel and a whole lot of skill. We headed out west with filmmaker Conan Fitzpatrick to visit Hayden Scott of Champion Knives and take a look inside his small forge, where raw steel is transformed into beautifully handcrafted culinary knives. It's hot, messy and fascinating to watch. And it's exactly the sort of creative process we love sharing through Open Studios Waitākere.

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Inside the Studio with Louise James
Inside the Studio with Louise James

Step inside The Binding Studio with Louise James, where traditional bookbinding techniques, beautiful materials and more than 20 years of experience come together. Discover the tools, techniques and craftsmanship for yourself.

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Inside Te Tararā Studios with filmmaker Conan Fitzpatrick
Inside Te Tararā Studios with filmmaker Conan Fitzpatrick

We took a look inside Te Tarara Studios with filmmaker Conan Fitzpatrick, getting a glimpse of the people, processes and work that make this creative space what it is. It's not every day you get to see where artists work, hear their stories and discover what goes into making their art.

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Have Something to Share?

Got an exhibition coming up, a new project underway or an opportunity for local creatives?

We'd love to hear from you. Share your news, stories and ideas with us and help keep West Auckland's creative community connected all year round.

Get in touch