24 Mar 2025
Cuba Street became a canvas for creativity as artists, performers, and local businesses came together to reimagine public spaces for PARK (ing) Day 2025.
Last year, the Wellington Sculpture Trust secured funding from the Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) through Wellington City Council, to grow the event and encourage participation from the local community. The result? The biggest PARK(ing) Day, Wellington has ever seen.
For the first time, the Wellington Sculpture Trust partnered with Creative Capital Arts Trust (CCAT) and Wellington City Council, integrating this year’s event into the Cuba Street Summer Series. With Cuba Street closed to traffic between Ghuznee and Vivian Streets, pedestrians had the chance to showcase interactive installations, performances, and pop-up experiences, with prizes also up for grabs.
Jane Black, Chair of the Wellington Sculpture Trust, says this year’s event was the biggest yet.
“Now in our twelfth year, our PARK(ing) Day event has gone from strength to strength, with more individuals and organisations than ever thinking creatively about how public spaces can be reimagined. It’s amazing to see the community together and having fun,” says Jane.
PARK(ing) Day is a global event where artists, designers, and creatives turn parking spaces into temporary parks. It started in 2005 when San Francisco art studio Rebar transformed a single parking space into a public park.
Since then, it has grown into a worldwide movement, with people independently creating pop-up public spaces in cities everywhere.
“We’re grateful to the continued support from Wellington City Council, the Council’s Arts and Culture Fund, and the CCS fund. Every year, PARK(ing) Day reminds us that our urban environment can be more than just a place for cars and buildings—it can be a space for creativity and community.”
Rebecca Kunin, Lead Advisor CCS, is pleased to see how the scheme helps brings communities and the arts together.
“PARK(ing) Day is a great example of how we can engage the community in local arts activities. It takes everyday spaces and turns them into interactive art experiences, inviting people to participate in creativity as they move through the city," says Rebecca.
Applications for the next round of the Creative Communities Scheme for 2025 close Friday 11 April.
Park(ing) Day Award Winners
Judge’s Choice award: RE-Cycle Carnival by Simon Ray and Kevin Romond
Judge’s Choice runners up: Portraits of a minute’s thought by Alastair Maher & son, Gilbert, as well as Cubascope by Eddie Samuel of heavytoolbox
Highly commended: Stitch and Chat - the return! by Jo Dixey
People’s Choice Award: The Closet by The Closet Crew
People's Choice runner up: Connecting Friendly Cities: Radio Ramallah by Justice for Palestine
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