Twenty years ago in December 2006, we welcomed our first resident artist – Judy Millar. Since then, McCahon House has continued to welcome artists into Parehuia, providing them with the space, time and support to develop their practice. 

In 2026, we'll deliver our regular programme that celebrates our artists in residence, Zena Eliott, Linda Va'aelua and Conor Clarke. To acknowledge our 20th Anniversary, we'll present a series of events that honor this significant milestone. 

McCahon House 20th Anniversary events

March: A public artist talk with alumni Emily Karaka, celebrating her exhibition After the Undercurrents at Artspace Aotearoa. This event will be held in partnership with Artspace. 

April: A special presentation at the Aotearoa Art Fair - more details to be shared soon!

June: One of several initiatives designed to nourish our sector, a six month mentoring programme for recent graduates will begin. This programme is an expanded version of our Works In Progress programme and features our alumni as mentors. 

July: A public event at Parehuia and the McCahon House Museum, acknowledging the individuals that have played an important part in our story, including architects Pete Bossley and Graeme Burgess. 

September: A public artist talk with alumni Fiona Pardington, celebrating her presentation Taharaki Skyside at the Venice Biennale. This event will be delivered in partnership with the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū.

Throughout 2026, we'll be releasing a series of free podcast episodes, each produced in partnership with The Good Oil. Graeme Douglas will profile McCahon House alumni in this series. 

We'll share more information about our 2026 programme in the new year!