![\"Depot2\"](\"https:\/\/www.muzic.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/news\/depot2-1024x682.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nDepot has been shaping the creative life of T\u0101maki Makaurau for 30 years, backing creatives, building community, and quietly becoming one of the city\u2019s most vital creative hubs. Now it\u2019s time to make some noise as they celebrate this milestone anniversary.<\/p>\n
As public conversations continue about the future of Devonport\u2019s town centre, Depot\u2019s 30-year history reflects a place where artists, locals, and visitors have long been showing up, making work, and opening minds. For three decades, it has been a constant presence, grounded in creativity, access, and community connection. The recent multimillion-dollar purchase of Devonport commercial buildings by Peninsula Capital signals ambitious plans to transform Devonport into a vibrant destination.<\/p>\n
Over the years, Depot has been a cornerstone of creative development, and has supported artists across all mediums including the likes of\u00a0Finn Andrews\u00a0(The Veils),\u00a0Kimbra, Bic Runga, Gin Wigmore, The Checks, and Racing, as well as thousands of other musical and visual artists; and creatives of all types, while keeping its doors open to first timers and future stars. Today, that support extends well beyond exhibitions and performances. Through its Creative Careers programme, Depot supports around 200 unemployed creatives into employment pathways each year, providing practical routes into sustainable creative work.<\/p>\n
\u201cCongratulations to Depot on an incredible 30 years of championing creativity in our community. For three decades, Depot has been a vital home for artists, makers, and audiences - nurturing talent, supporting local enterprise, and creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect through art. Depot\u2019s impact reaches far beyond its gallery walls, strengthening community wellbeing, showcasing the richness of Aotearoa\u2019s creative voices, and helping make Devonport and the wider North Shore such a vibrant place to live and visit. Thank you to the team, artists, supporters, and volunteers who have helped build DEPOT into the treasured institution it is today. Here\u2019s to the next 30 years of creativity, connection, and community.\u201d says Councillor Richard Hills, Auckland Council.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Following a dramatic flood in 2024, Depot revitalised the former Council Borough building at 3 Victoria Road, transforming it into a thriving creative space that now houses a gallery, art shop, retail store, ceramics studio, and nine artist studios upstairs.<\/p>\n
The move has strengthened Depot\u2019s presence in the town centre and expanded the ways artists and the public can connect with creativity every day. On any given day, you\u2019ll find exhibitions opening, music being recorded, clay being fired, artists workshopping ideas, and people of all ages learning something new.<\/p>\n
In 2025 alone, Depot delivered 26 exhibitions, 106 public workshops and events, and supported 249 artists across Depot Artspace, Depot Lounge, Whare Toi, and 3 Victoria Road. Depot also launched Devonport\u2019s First Thursdays, working with local businesses and organisations to deliver a suite of creative activations and events on the First Thursday of every month. This is culture in motion - committed, dynamic, and reaching beyond gallery walls to the local and creative communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cDepot\u00a0is about people\u00a0and supporting creative ambition,\u201d\u00a0says Director\u00a0Amy Saunders, who has led the organisation since 2020. \u201cIt\u2019s about making space for artists to take risks, build skills, connect with others, and keep going. When creativity thrives, communities do too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Depot\u2019s 30th year kicks off with a stacked programme across art, sound, and community activations. Exhibitions range from deeply personal kaupapa M\u0101ori work and migrant youth perspectives, to ceramics, photography, performance, and movement adjacent art projects.
\nBelow is what\u2019s coming up through the end of March, with quarterly updates to follow.<\/p>\n
Upcoming Workshops & Classes<\/strong><\/p>\n Young Artist Nights<\/strong> First Thursdays Devonport \/ Te Hau Kapua<\/strong>
\nDepot Lounge | Quarterly<\/strong>
\nShowcasing emerging local talent across visual arts, music, dance, performance, and spoken word in a supportive, themed environment.<\/p>\n
\nFirst Thursday of every month<\/strong>
\nJoin Depot and local artists for workshops, performances, and events alongside special activations by other local businesses.
\nThirty years on, Depot remains a place where ideas are tested, careers are launched, and creativity is part of everyday life. As it looks ahead, Depot is focused on telling its story more boldly and inviting more people to be part of it.<\/p>\n![\"Depot3\"](\"https:\/\/www.muzic.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/news\/depot3-1024x769.jpeg\")
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