Pond - A new artist run gallery in Dunedin

Pond is a new artist-run space in Dunedin. We are crowdfunding to launch our gallery with two exhibition spaces: one for established artists and another for early-career artists and recent graduates. This model will provide a vital platform for new voices in the art world while fostering mentorship and connections between artists at different career stages. With your support, we can create a thriving, inclusive space that nurtures the next generation of artists.

Pond is run by local Dunedin artists and graduates of Dunedin School of Art, Isabella Lepoamo, Amelia Eady,  Zac Whiteside and Tristan McGregor 

Where Your Money Goes:

• Gallery Setup – Materials, lighting, signage, and exhibition display systems to create a professional and welcoming space.
• Operational Costs – Rent and utilities to ensure the gallery remains accessible and sustainable.
• Gallery Openings & Events – Supporting exhibition openings and artist talks to foster community engagement and give artists meaningful exposure.
• Artist Fees – Supporting artists with small honorariums to help cover production costs and ensure they are valued for their work.

Pond Gallery is a new artist-run space in Dunedin designed to create more opportunities for early-career artists and recent graduates while also supporting established artists. We believe in fostering a sustainable and inclusive art community where artists have professional platforms to showcase their work, connect with audiences, and grow their careers.

Our Exhibition Spaces

Pond Gallery will feature two adaptable exhibition spaces—Gallery A and Gallery B—designed to accommodate a wide range of artistic practices. Both spaces can function as either Project Spaces or Dealer Gallery Spaces, adapting to the needs of the exhibiting artists.

We are currently calling for proposals for both spaces and welcome a diverse range of exhibitions, from installations and experimental projects to shows where artists wish to sell their work.

• Gallery A – A bright, open space featuring wooden floors, white walls, and natural lighting, ideal for exhibitions that benefit from daylight, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed-media works.
• Gallery B – A spacious former vault with zero natural light, making it particularly well-suited for video installations, sound works, immersive media, and experimental projects.

Both spaces offer artists the opportunity to present their work in a professional setting, whether through a more traditional exhibition format or as an immersive installation.

We will also have several exhibition slots reserved in the year for artists currently enrolled at Dunedin School of Art who write us proposals, along with a volunteer work placement program to give students opportunities to gain hands-on experience in gallery operations, exhibition installation, and working directly with artists

Additionally, we will have a communal space displaying artworks for sale, giving both emerging and established artists ongoing visibility. The gallery will be run as a non-profit, prioritizing the success and sustainability of the artists we support rather than commercial gain. 

Beyond exhibitions, Pond Gallery will also feature shared studio spaces open for studio visits, fostering dialogue between artists and the public. Looking ahead, we plan to introduce artist residencies and community workshops, enriching Dunedin’s creative landscape and making art more accessible to all. 

By launching Pond Gallery, we aim to bring more life to Vogel Street, create meaningful opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers, and build a space that supports the next generation of creatives in Aotearoa.

Dunedin is experiencing an arts boom, with more exhibitions, creative projects, and artist-led initiatives bringing new energy to the city. As the scene grows, so does the need for more spaces where artists can showcase their work, experiment with new ideas, and connect with audiences. Pond Gallery is here to meet that need—creating a dynamic, artist-run space that fosters experimentation, professional development, and meaningful engagement between artists and the wider community.

Why This Matters

• More Opportunities for Artists – As Dunedin’s arts scene grows, we want to sustain this momentum by offering two versatile exhibition spaces:
• A Supportive Financial Model – Our low 20% commission ensures that artists retain more of their earnings while keeping exhibitions financially sustainable.
• A Space for the Community – Beyond exhibitions, we’ll have a communal space featuring artworks for sale, open studio visits, and artist talks, making art more accessible and engaging.
• Strengthening Vogel Street’s Creative Hub – Dunedin’s arts community is expanding, and we’re excited to be part of that by adding another vibrant, artist-led space to Vogel Street’s cultural fabric.
• Future Growth & Collaboration – We’re laying the groundwork for artist residencies and community workshops, further embedding Pond Gallery within Dunedin’s creative ecosystem.

Your support will help us bring this vision to life. Let’s build something amazing together!