Ana Teofilo Gallery - Studio: A new Pasifika Art space in South Dunedin

The Ana Teofilo Gallery-Studio is a new creative and cultural space in South Dunedin, dedicated to celebrating Pacific identity, heritage, and storytelling through art. While the space is nearly ready to open its doors to the public, although not fully complete, the Gallery-Studio is almost functional and accessible, allowing for workshops, exhibitions, and community engagement to begin. 

With continued support, the Ana Teofilo Gallery-Studio will become a thriving home for Pacific creativity and a space where people can connect, unwind, create, and empowers the next generation and shows that their voices and stories belong here too.

Talofa lava! I’m Ana Teofilo, a Samoan artist based in Ōtepoti (Dunedin). My creative practice is deeply rooted in both my Samoan heritage and my children’s Tongan lineage, blending traditional Pacific motifs with contemporary storytelling through mixed media.

From a young age, I knew I loved art. It wasn’t until I got to art school that I realised this wasn’t just a passion, it was my purpose. That experience was life changing, and it set me on a path I’ve now followed for over 10 years as a practicing and exhibiting artist.

Although I’m leading this project on my own, I’m surrounded by the unwavering support of my aiga and wider community, who believe in the power of Pacific-led art spaces. Their love and belief in my vision continue to drive me as I work to create a space that uplifts Pasifika youth and creatives, a place where we can come together and feel welcomed.

Every contribution goes directly towards creating a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable Ana Teofilo Gallery - Studio space for the community in Ōtepoti. Funding will go towards essential setup and operational costs, including:

• Gallery Lighting
  Purchase and installation of LED spotlights to professionally showcase artworks.
• Movable Wall Installation
  Hiring a builder to install a movable partition wall, allowing the space to adapt for different shows, events, and workshops.
• Exterior Signage & Window Decals
  Clear and welcoming signage to make the space visible and inviting from the street, helping passersby discover what’s inside.
• Heating Solution
  Installation of a heat pump or efficient heater to ensure the space remains warm, especially during Ōtepoti’s colder months. This is essential for hosting evening events and workshops year-round.
• Reusable Art Supplies & Shared Resources
  Materials that can be used across multiple workshops, reducing waste and keeping costs low for community engagement.
• Rent & Utilities
  Ensuring the space remains open, accessible, and financially sustainable as we grow.
• Grand Opening Support
  Helping us celebrate the launch of the space and welcome the community, artists, and supporters who made it possible.

Your support will directly contribute to creating an inclusive, welcoming space for art, creativity, and connection. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Growing up in Ōtepoti (Dunedin), I rarely saw other Pacific artists in the creative spaces around me. I didn’t know that pursuing a creative path was even an option let alone something you could build a career around.

Ana Teofilo gallery-studio is where I can continue to grow my practice while opening doors for others. An extension to the Gallery – Studio is hosting art workshops based around my art practice open to everyone.

This project is deeply personal, but it’s also a commitment to something that has led me to this new chapter. I want this space to be a beacon for Pasifika creatives in Ōtepoti and beyond a place where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to explore their own creative path options.

I’ve been creating and sharing my art for over 10 years, and now I’m ready to give back by building a space that truly celebrates our Pacific identity, creativity, and community here in Ōtepoti. This will be the first Pasifika Gallery- studio in Dunedin which is super exciting!!!  It’s a space where you can walk in and feel like you belong. A place where Pacific stories, culture, and creativity come alive. Somewhere you can come to make art and take home a keepsake, explore new ideas, learn from others, and simply be yourself.

By supporting this project, you’re helping create something real, meaningful, long lasting and I can grow this into a fully equipped creative space where the  community feels inspired, where Pasifika youth can see that art is a real path, and where the next generation can confidently say - “If she can do it, I can too.”