Vincents Art Workshop, the longest-running creative space in New Zealand, will celebrate its 40th anniversary with an exhibition honouring four decades of inclusive, community-based arts practice at the Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre from 7 to 24 August.

This exhibition will be hosted by the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts and will sit alongside the gallery’s exhibition of entries and finalists in its Academy Prize for Visual Art.

The anniversary exhibition will feature more than 100 works from 50 artists who regularly attend Vincents Art Workshop in downtown Wellington. Alongside this group show, visitors can explore a display documenting Vincents’ 40 years.

The display will include photos, biographical material, and a selection of artworks by five late artists who made significant contributions to the studio: Ruffo de Graine, Martin Thompson, Robert Rapson, Wendy Randall and Victor Bright.

Documenting Vincents' story over 40 years

Digitised archival video footage, including interviews and documentary films about the creative space, will also be on display.

Vincents Art Workshop was established in 1985 by Pam Whittington and Helen Walch as part of the Inner City Ministry (now Downtown Community Ministry) in response to government policies of deinstitutionalisation from psychiatric hospitals.

It provides free access to art materials, space, social connection and creative opportunities, particularly for people who may not otherwise have them. While its core purpose has remained consistent, it’s grown to include a more diverse community over the years.

Andrew Mitchell, its Kaiwhakahaere Coordinator, has been a part of Vincents’ history since 2005, as an arts tutor, then as the Senior Tutor, and finally, as its Kaiwhakahaere since 2023.  

Andrew says the growth reflects a broader understanding of art's benefits for mental wellbeing and social connection. “Our kaupapa has always been about open access. We're one of the few creative spaces that offers completely free entry, studio space and art materials to anyone who wants to create.”

“Changing lives through art” is Vincents' mission statement. Key to Vincents’ longevity, Andrew notes, is the dedication of its artists, the long-term commitment of staff, and stable support from funders such as the Ministry of Social Development and Wellington City Council. Other contributors include the Creative Communities Scheme, the Lottery Grants Board and the Empire Fergusson Lodge No. 225. 

Four artists share what they value about Vincents 

• Emma Gregory: “I come to Vincents twice a week to meet my friends and to paint because my house gets a bit boring. I like sharing my art and selling it.”
• Colin Korovin: Colin started at Vincents in 1990 and attends four days a week. “One of the things I like about Vincents are the staff and the people. I also love art and having my work in exhibitions.”
• Peter Zlatkoff: “My passion is painting. I had a brain hemorrhage when I was 16 and had to learn to walk and talk again. I started at Vincents in 1993 when I was 31 and I’m still here, three days a week. I like the people and the atmosphere. I’m a smiley person. I had a second life and I say, ‘Be happy. That’s the key’.”
• Devon Wogan: Devon started at Vincents in May 2025. “My life was turned upside down when I started dealing with chronic illness. I’d heard about Vincents and decided to see what it was all about. It’s pretty cool. It’s a place to come to with things to work towards, where you learn new skills, and can talk to others. I try and come every day.”

Looking ahead, Andrew says that Vincents is focused on accessibility improvements, digital innovation and youth engagement. Plans are under way for an accessibility audit to inform studio upgrades.

And the development of a new, internal app is ongoing. This app will eventually feature a digital artist portal where participants can document their works in progress and build a personal portfolio.

For Andrew, another important goal is increasing the visibility of Vincents artists in the broader arts sector. 

“There’s strong interest in helping more of our artists exhibit beyond the studio,” he says. “We’d like to find new ways of supporting their work to be seen in other galleries and venues across Wellington.”

Despite ongoing challenges, including securing long-term funding, Andrew is excited and optimistic about Vincents’ future. 

“We’re deeply rooted in the community. The hope is that over the next 10 years, we’ll not only maintain that connection but continue to grow our impact and reach.”

Vincents Art Workshop’s 40th Anniversary Exhibition at Tākina is open to the public during venue hours. Entry is $10.

Vincents Art Workshop is a member of the Creative Spaces Network, facilitated by Arts Access Aotearoa. Read about Vincents and other creative spaces in the Wellington region.