Art Exhibition Space

Paraparaumu and Ōtaki libraries have community art exhibition spaces, giving members of the public and local groups the opportunity to show their work.

Roderick and Gillian Deane Community Art Space – Paraparaumu Library

Opening hours

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9am–5pm
• Wednesday 10am–5pm
• Saturday 10am–4pm
• Sunday 10am–2pm

This community art exhibition space in Paraparaumu is located just to the right of the library foyer. Along with the new library, it was opened in 2002 and has proved to be a very popular exhibition space. Exhibitions of all descriptions have been held in the space: pottery, painting, sculpture, quilting, origami, woodturning, weaving and installations have all featured.

Current/Upcoming exhibitions

• 25 January-2 February: Lunar New Year - a colourful display  to complement the Library's celebration  of the Lunar New Year.
• 3 February-16 February:  Waitangi Exhibition - Kākahu (cloaks) created by the Kāpiti Community through the Libraries' Programme.
• 17 February-3 March: the Art Space will be closed to the public while we do some major improvements to the display space.
• 3 March -12 March: Inspired by Nature - a display of wonderful abstract and living art by Kirsty Glasgow using recycled natural and man made materials.
• 13 March - 30 March: Acceptance of Fear - a powerful exhibition by photographer Joanna Piatek of Ukrainian refugees and their stories
• 1 April-14 April: tbc
• 14 April-28 April: Red Cross in time of war - Commemorating Anzac Day by shining the light on the role of the Red Cross and medical corps in the World Wars.

Interested in exhibiting? 

Ngā Wāwata – Ōtaki Library Art Space

Opening hours:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9am–5pm
• Wednesday: 10am–5pm
• Saturday: 10am–4pm

Ngā Wāwata is an art exhibition space located inside the area to the side of the front entrance in front of the main library desk. The art space has a strong community focus as an exhibition space for community groups, schools and individuals who otherwise may not have access to exhibition spaces on the Kāpiti Coast. It is promoted as a “user friendly” place where artists can have the experience of organising and curating their own exhibition.

Please contact the Hub Lead at Ōtaki Library to enquire about exhibiting at Ngā Wāwata.

Information for exhibitors

Roderick & Gillian Deane Art Exhibition Space, Paraparaumu Library

The Art Exhibition Space is available to local artists and arts groups who may not have access to other galleries. Exhibition periods are for two weeks.

The gallery is often booked months ahead so if you are interested in exhibiting please submit a Booking Request Form with your proposed exhibition and preferred dates, or email the Arts Advisor, Rosie Salas, at [email protected] with this information. 

We're keen to connect art exhibitions with Library or Council activities when we can, and may discuss timing and possible activities to achieve this.

Note that the Paraparaumu Library Art Space is booked at times for regular Library and Arts exhibitions, and may also be required for other Council activities such as local elections. This means that we may not be able to allocate your preferred time slot or that we may have to reschedule your exhibition.

There is no charge for rent nor is commission charged on sales. Please read the Library Policy governing the sale of items.

Installing an exhibition

Exhibitions are usually in place for two weeks. The Roderick and Gillian Deane Community Artspace has the following layout:

• Total floor area is approximately 3m x 5m = 15 square metres
• There is a track hanging system and pin boards that can be used (not all walls have both options).
• The front of the gallery opens off the library foyer.
• The rear of the gallery has two swing doors that open through to a meeting room.
• There is a track lighting system with small spotlights which can be adjusted.

If you would like assistance with hanging your exhibition, please let us know. We suggest you come in and have a look if you are not familiar with the space.

Technical details about the space and installation

Total floor area: approximately 15 square metres 

PLEASE NOTE: the Art Space will be undergoing some renovations in February/March 2023 which will alter the configuration of the space. We will post the detailed sepcifications once the renovations are completed

The art exhibition space offers a number of ways to display artworks

• The Gallery Hanging System – this is a professional system used by galleries. It consists of a track placed on three of the walls - wire hanging straps slide into the track, each wire can take 1-2 adjustable hooks from which artworks can be hung. Hooks are adjusted using an Allen key. Artworks will need to be strung to use this system. The hooks are large and may show above a boxed canvas frame if it is simply placed on the hook and not strung. The hanging system is in place on the three main walls.
• Pin Board – there is one pin board section which is 1700 wide by 1000 high. This is great for displaying drawings, lighter paintings (small boxed canvas), photographs, quilts, weaving or text. Pins and Velcro dots are recommended but please NO blu-tack on the pin board!
• Floor Space – artists are welcome to make use of the floor space for displaying sculpture or an installation artwork. There needs to be enough clearance to around the space. Props such as driftwood or stones can be used as long as they will not cause damage to the floor covering or impede people walking around the art space. You are welcome to bring plinths and props to display your art as these are not provided by the library.