“Henderson may be the end of the world for some, but Corban Estate Arts Centre has created something slightly miraculous west of the CBD. The Centre is a destination in itself and I would be happy to visit it every month to see what is new. Full marks to them for creating a place with artistic endeavour above cultural snobbery.”
Corban Estate Arts Centre is located in Henderson, West Auckland. Set within park-like grounds amongst historic winery buildings, we are home to artist studios and to our very own café, art classes for adults, youth and children, and an ever-changing programme of exhibitions and events. All are welcome.
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An introduction
Welcome to Corban Estate
Little known fact: Corban Estate Arts Centre is one of Auckland's best cultural experiences located in suburban Henderson - 13 kilometres west of Auckland's CBD - on the way to the Waitakere ranges. It's a place well worth seeking out, a hub of artistic energy and talent, and for those of us who are in on the secret - a welcome respite from the white-cube gallery world of New Zealand art.
TOM VOYCE, “RAILWAY CROSSING 2, CORBAN ESTATE” 2018
Corban Estate Arts Centre is a bit of a gem. Beautifully nestled within the old Corban Estate with its historic wine buildings and parklike grounds, it's a remarkably peaceful place (if you discount the infrequent ding-ding-ding-ding of the train crossing) and offers so much more than expected.
The centre itself looks a bit like a farm, with a big old homestead house surrounded by old white-painted corrugated tin sheds scattered haphazardly around the place. It's quite charming. But within is an unexpected mixture of gallery spaces, artist studios, performance space and all kinds of things going on. Tours are available, just ask.
The Gallery Shop features exquisite handcrafted artwork by leading artists from around New Zealand.
Workshops & Classes
Over 22 artist Studios based on site.
There is a cluster of studios suitable and affordable for artists who have recently graduated, as well as larger studios for more established artists. World renowned dance company Atamira Dance Company is onsite, as is Red Leap Theatre, Mixit, The Pacifica Arts Centre and Crescendo Arts Trust of Aotearoa.
Resident Artists
"While we're all individuals, collectively we share a strong ethos of pitching-in and helping one another out. This attitude fosters a sense of community and warmth, which extends to the people who visit the estate."
MARTIN SUTCLIFFE, Director of Corban Estate Arts Centre
Our Team
Kevin Osmond, in his studio
Born in the UK in 1968, Osmond studied and worked in London for over twenty years. He currently lives and works in Auckland, New Zealand. He is the recipient of a number of high profile awards, among them the second largest sculpture prize in the UK, the Mark Tanner Sculpture Award; the Credit Suisse First Boston Sculpture Prize; and the Penguin Books Sculpture Prize. He has created artworks for a variety of clients including The Royal London Hospital, The Economist and most recently for Massey University’s Auckland campus.
Osmond is represented by Davidson Contemporary based in New York.
Crescendo Trust
When David Atai and Marcus Powell of Crescendo Trust arrived at Corban Estate they added a whole new dimension to the estate -- and not just their rockstar status! As a programme mentoring young musicians, Crescendo Trust has turned the Cellar into a dynamic creative space, nourishing up and coming careers in the studio, as well as showcasing them in the monthly Jam Cellars and through their radio station Rawkus Radio.
David McCracken, in his studio
Walking around the estate you might spot a couple of large iron sculptures--the work of resident artist and superstar David McCracken. David shares a studio with Anton Parsons, and both moved here in 2016.
Curator Madeleine Gifford (Maddie)
Madeleine Gifford (Maddie) is a curator and arts practitioner who is a life-long local to Waitākere. She holds Master of Arts in Art History (Honours) from the University of Auckland.
Her curatorial practice focuses on the connections between contemporary art and art history, and finding new ways to provide platforms of education through audience engagement and accessibility. She has a particular interest in the contributions of women to both contemporary and historical painting, and textile art.
