Make art, meet the artists, buy art, listen to live music
Toi MAHARA held a Live Art Market on 31 January 2026 in Mahara Place. Over 2,500 people enjoyed over 40 local artist stalls, live music by Kāpiti musicians and performances by students from Denise Walker Dance Academy.
Our thanks to Mostly Music, Coast Access Radio, the Friends of Toi MAHARA, Artel, Kelly & Co, Grant Stevenson, the many artists who had a stall, the musicians – Andrew London Duo, Charli Ravenwood, Johnny Naisbett and Tui – and Waikanae Scouts who helped make this event such a success!
Some of the feedback about the market from attendees:
- It was wonderful bringing the Arts – visual art, dance, music – out to the people for a change. Mahara Place is such a perfect venue for this – with its stage and artificial grass for dance and undercover areas for stall holders.
- I was so pleased with the event. I have decided to join the Friends of Mahara.
- Huge thanks for a great team event today – keeping all the arts visible in our community! Lots of positive feedback from visitors.
- Thanks for all the work you all put into the Art Market. I had good sales & enjoyed it. The dance/ music was fantastic!
- Congratulations Janet, Vicki and Kirsten on the most successful Live Art Market event on Saturday. There was non-stop entertainment and a myriad of artist stalls which was enjoyed by the very large crowd in the mall. A local retailer I spoke to was delighted. A great idea well executed – well done
- I thought it was brilliant! Thankyou so much.
We hope to run the event on an annual basis. If you would like to be involved in future event please email marketing@toimahara.nz with Live Art Market 2027 in the subject line.