Circa Theatre is the heart of Wellington’s thriving arts community. Our building is considered a Wellington icon, but since 1994 when we moved to our incredible waterfront location, the frontage has developed severe leaks, and suffered extensive weather damage. We need to carry out these urgent repairs, and as part of that, we plan to replace the existing conservatory frontage with a striking new fit-for-purpose frontage that will sustain Wellington’s iconic Theatre for generations to come.

This stunning design by Sebastian Bernhardt of Inside Design, includes a ‘Valerium’, a kinetic art installation, by internationally renowned designer Kayne Horsham of Kaynemaile. Their light-weight Bio-based architectural fabric, inspired by the chainmail armour in The Lord of the Rings, is hard-wearing and will move with a wiri reflecting the waters of our energised harbour-side location.

Circa is artist-focused, and most of our income goes directly to creative artists rather than bricks and mortar. We are therefore asking for your help to raise the $2.5 million needed to bring our vision to life. We already have the endorsement and financial backing of Wellington City Council, and to secure successful applications with more funders in the new year, we need to reach our next fundraising milestone – we can only do this with your help.  

A huge thank you from all at Circa Theatre to the Lottery Community Facilities Fund that has granted us $800,000 toward this building renovation and development project. This is a big step in creating stability for theatre makers of the future.

Please consider making a gift today. All donations will make a difference.

If you have any questions about the project, or you wish to make a larger contribution, please contact Chrissy Boulton on partnership@circa.co.nz

Concept art: Inside Design