Turning vacant spaces into vibrant places in Downtown Tauranga

The ACTIVATE VACANT SPACES programme matches property owners with individuals who have creative ideas for temporary projects. The programme features installations, displays, events, interactive experiences, art, culture, heritage, music, performances, pop ups and refurbishments. It's a continuum of vibrancy for all to enjoy.

What's on and coming up.

Find out what we've currently got on in Tauranga CBD as well as what's coming up.

19 NOV – 20 DEC
EXHIBITION & WORKSHOPS
CERAMIC GALLERY AND WORKSHOPS
Come and see this amazing exhibition featuring well know and awarded ceramic artists and exciting new potters in the largest ceramic exhibition our city centre has hosted.
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1 DEC - 20 DEC
TREASURE HUNT
THE WEEKEND SUN KIWI TREASURE HUNT
Come on The Weekend Sun Kids Kiwi Christmas Treasure Hunt. Find our hidden kiwis in shop windows across our city centre and be in to win some really cool prizes!
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6 - 27 NOVEMBER
EXHIBITION
POROWHITA TONU EXHIBITION
See the works of the Bay of Plenty’s most exciting up and coming artists, and creatives from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Creative Industries degree programme.
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CALLING ALL CREATIVES
MURAL PROJECT SUBMISSIONS WANTED
ART INSTALLATION

PROJECT
We’re searching for creative artists to submit a creative art installation concept to our Activate Vacant Spaces Laneway Creative Art Installation Project.
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CALLING ALL CREATIVES
MURAL PROJECT SUBMISSIONS WANTED
LANEWAY MURAL PROJECT
We’re searching for artists to submit a creative mural concept to our Activate Vacant Spaces Laneway Mural Project.
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OPEN NOW
DISCOVERY CENTRE
STEM WANA

Brought to you by STEM Wana Trust, come visit this dedicated science, technology, engineering and mathematics ‘discovery’ centre.
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OPEN NOW
FEATURE FILM PRODUCTION
THE MAN SHE

WEEPS
The public are invited to call into the store and view the film storyboard and see the production team at work.
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OPEN NOW
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
CLASSIC

COUTURE
Classic Couture is a new shopping experience launched by Dress for Success Bay of Plenty featuring gently loved & new clothing and accessories.

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Previous Activations

Find out about some of the previous Activations we've had in the vacant spaces through the CBD.

21 SEPT - 25 OCT
WINDOW DISPLAY
SHINE A LIGHT

Award winning body artist Sandi Cutts brings a high impact, UV lit window display that literally shines a light on self expression.
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5 NOV
EXHIBITION
CHRYSALIS COLLECTION
We are pleased to present the Chrysalis Collection. A collection of artwork from a collection of artists.
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23 0CT - 25 OCT
COMEDY EVENT
TAURANGA COMEDY POP UP
It's time for a damn good laugh, so join us this long-weekend for Tauranga's first ever pop-up comedy club!
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POSTPONED- NEW DATE COMING SOON.
OLYMPIC EVENT
OLYMPIC PRIDE EVENT
Come see the 100 years of Olympic Pride Walk and have some fun in our Mini Olympics event.
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5 SEPT - 25 SEPT
WINDOW DISPLAY
THE ROCK'S ULTIMATE MANCAVE
Check out the window display in Red Square to see the amazing Tauranga Mancave, worth over $5000, you could win with 94.2FM The Rock.
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1 JUL - 29 JUL
POP UP EXHIBITION AND DEMONSTRATIONS
BACKFEED

BLENDER
Backfeed blender was a contemporary and immersive art experience.

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1 JUL - 29 JUL
POP UP EXHIBITION AND DEMONSTRATIONS
TAURANGA WOODCRAFTERS
Tauranga Woodcrafters Guild presented a display of exquisitely crafted woodworks and live demonstrations
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6 JUL - 17th JULY
EXHIBITION AND WORKSHOPS
PLASTIC FREE

JULY
A series of free workshops from Envirohub BOPA. Make your own beeswax wraps and keep cups and see a plastic shredder in action.
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25 MAY - 19 JUN
FREE EXHIBITION
NO WORDS

MYANMAR
Chilean photographer Coni Flores presented a series of captivating images capturing her journey and life changing experience travelling in Myanmar.
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13 FEB - 20 MARCH
FREE EXHIBITION
KOTAHITANGA

UNITY
This exhibition featured Ian Taylor's epic legacy project 'Land of Voyagers' alongside a visual exploration of the meaning of kotahitanga and unity.
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03 FEB - 20 MAR
FREE EXHIBITION
OUR HOME EXHIBITION
The Our Home Exhibition featured the top 100 Trustpower Photographic Exhibition photos for 2020
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10 FEB - 13 MAR
POP UP STUDIO
LAVAL POP UP STUDIO
offering professional headshots against a backdrop of beautifully designed and inviting spaces.
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12 FEB
AN IAN TAYLOR PRESENTATION
LAND OF

VOYAGERS
Ian Taylor, Maori Leader of the year (2013) and NZ Innovator of the year ( 2019) hosted very special breakfast presentation.
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11 FEB
WORKSHOP AND DISCUSSION
ON THE COUCH WITH PETER KAGEYAMA
Internationally recognised expert on community development, Peter Kageyama ran an inspiring workshop discussion.
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