What you can expect
We are looking for talented artists to create a premium destination for people in Taranaki. We want to turn the Lee Breakwater from a dull and grey industrial space to a vibrant destination that shows the amazing talent this region has.
The gallery will be funded by patrons who choose an artist or artwork that they want to support. With their generous contribution, any artist that creates artwork for the gallery will be paid $1,500 for each approved submission, as well as a $1,500 donation per artwork being made to the Taranaki Health Foundation.
Approved artists will also be given a profile on this website and be promoted in media where possible.
When can you take part?
Phase 1
October 2026 – March 2027
This phase will be open to a curated list of artists whose involvement will be invited by Creative Taranaki.
Phase 2
March 2027 onwards
Once the Gallery is officially opened we will open submissions to the public. At this point, all submissions will be reviewed by The Breakwater Committee and assessed based on published criteria.
Important Information
To ensure we make the Breakwater Gallery a safe and premium destination for all of Taranaki, there are some requirements and commitments that will need to be adhered to.
Artist responsibilities
- Providing all materials used in the creation of the approved artwork. Ensuring the use of suitable quality paints for outdoor murals. A recommendation for spray paint is Molotow or another reputable art spray brand.
- Any necessary protective gear – such as overalls, eye protection, a high-visibility vest is recommended. Plus the use of drop cloths, to keep the immediate ground area clean and tidy
- Travel expenses to and from site
- Completing any Health & Safety requirements from Port Taranaki
- Ensuring the final artwork accurately reflects the approved designs. Minor changes are allowed should they be needed (such as colour selections and layout).
- Ensuring artwork doesn’t include any designs, images, words or other elements that may be deemed offensive as the Gallery is a family friendly and inclusive space
- Ensuring that when creating artwork, no obstruction is made to the public. The site requires no traffic management, but it will be open to the public while work is being done.
- Follow all instructions given by Port Taranaki or the Breakwater Gallery Committee
Breakwater Gallery responsibilities
- Securing funding to cover the cost of commissioning artwork ($1,500 to artist)
- Preparation of surface – water blasting and application of sealant and primer
- Providing artists with ease of access to the site and instruction on Health & Safety requirements (Port Taranaki) High-visibility vests and cones to be provided
- Providing information about onsite access to running water, for cleaning brushes etc, as well as nearest toilet facilities for artists
- Application of Graffiti Guard (or similar product) after completion of artwork
- Supply of Documentation and MOU between the artist and The Breakwater Gallery
- Promotion and publicity during artwork creation and once completed
- Supply of suitable signage to communicate to the public about what is happening and to be aware of wet paint.
Submission Process
Currently we are not accepting general artwork submissions. If you would like to be updated once public submissions are open, please provide your email address and we will contact you as soon as the submission portal is live.
