DDB
About Dunedin Dream Brokerage DDB
The Dunedin Dream Brokerage brings life into empty urban and retail environments through brokering a lively programme of art project occupation.
What we do
We’ll work with you to develop your proposal.
The best question is, what do you need? We have well-established relationships with property owners throughout the city, and will work with them to source empty retail space that will work for your project.
We provide a small amount of funding for you, that you can use in whatever way will best support your project.
We have extensive media and community networks and can help you put together a marketing and PR plan that will tell the story of your project and encourage people to come and see it.
Our Broker will work closely with you at every step of the process, guided by your objectives and idea of ‘success’.
Own a property and keen to work with us? Go here to learn more
Broker
Charlotte Parallel, Dunedin Broker
Charlotte has business, arts and project management experience and is your first point of contact when considering applying to the Brokerage.
Email: dunedindreambrokerage@gmail.com
19 George Street (Dunedin Fringe Office), Dunedin
Te Hoe Ākau
About Te Hoe Ākau
We are Te Hoe Ākau — Madison Kelly, Caro McCaw, Cara Paterson, Craig Scott, and Vicki Lenihan — the steering group for the Dunedin Dream Brokerage. We're not your average curators. We guide this mahi because we care deeply about the creative life of Ōtepoti Dunedin.
What We Do
The Dunedin Dream Brokerage brings art into unexpected public spaces — places often overlooked. Through creative activations, people get to experience the city in fresh, surprising ways. It’s about discovery — of new ideas, new perspectives, and parts of the city we might never have seen in that light before.
Why It Matters
Seeing familiar places through the eyes of local creatives helps us feel more connected and at home in our city. That sense of discovery strengthens belonging — a vital part of our hauora (wellbeing). We're proud to support projects that invite everyone to see Dunedin differently.
Building Community
At its heart, this mahi is about relationships. DDB brings together people from across diverse communities, building genuine, lasting connections. We’re thankful for the many who open doors to spaces not traditionally used for art — spaces that become sites of creative exchange and transformation.
A Living, Breathing Kaupapa
Our kaupapa breaks down boundaries. It weaves together installation, performance, street art, theatre, local histories, education, and more. Every project adds to a growing momentum — a reflection of the vibrant creative energy alive in our city.
Supporting Growth
We love watching projects grow — seeing artists experiment, take risks, and extend their practice. When our support helps a project gain traction and evolve into something bigger, we know the kaupapa is working. That’s what keeps us moving forward. Wananei nā!
Advisory Panel
Our Advisory Panel are a group of volunteers with experience in art, festivals, curating, project management, marketing and real estate. They review all project submissions, and may ask for more information through the Broker. Current Advisory Panel members are Ali Bramwell, Cara Paterson, Caro McCaw, Chanel O’Brien, Craig Scott, David Marsh, Hope Wilson, Madison Kelly, Mark Amery, Vicky Lenihan, Prudence Jopson, Jos van Beek, Ruth Harvey and Amy Owen.
Partners
Dunedin Dream Brokerage runs with support from Dunedin City Council and Otago Polytechnic. The Brokerage receives funding from the Dunedin City Council. Otago Polytechnic provides overarching administrative support and helps us with our Public Liability Insurance. We are looking for future project partners and funding opportunities, please contact the Broker if you are interested in starting a conversation with us about becoming involved.
Our History
Dunedin Dream Brokerage was formed in 2015, around the same time as the Dunedin City Council’s Ara Toi Arts and Culture Strategy. This was intentional as the then mayor wanted a creative solution to empty spaces in the city’s main retail precinct and the dream brokerage model could be nimble and responsive to demand.
Dunedin Dream Brokerage evolved from the Dunedin iteration of the Wellington-based Urban Dream Brokerage project, developed and grown in 2012 from Letting Space under the auspices of the Wellington Independent Arts Trust.
The Dunedin programme, brokered by Tamsin Cooper, ran alongside other Urban Dream Brokerage programmes in Wellington, Porirua and Masterton. Dunedin and Wellington are the only Dream Brokerages in operation in Aotearoa.
Info for building owners
If you own a building in Ōtepoti and are interested in sharing your space here is some key information about what a relationship with Dunedin Dream Brokerage involves.
The Dunedin Dream Brokerage helps artists find spaces to exhibit or present their projects.
Building owners provide the space rent-free (or low cost) for the period of the Brokered project
These projects are short term occupancy, but may lead to longer term paid leases at your discretion.
At the very least your space will be cleaned, open to the public and become revitalised through its use.
Our projects often attract media coverage, extending your property’s visibility.
For the period of the DDB project in your premises, insurance is covered by our partnership with the Otago Polytechnic.
You will only deal with one person – our Broker who has extensive experience in business management and the arts sector.
We have been facilitating projects since 2015 and have good systems and relationships in place.
If you would like to have a chat about having your property listed with Dunedin Dream Brokerage, please contact the Broker.
dunedindreambrokerage@gmail.com
With thanks to
Anthony Hamel Lawyers, Josh Thomas, Dudley Benson, Bridie and Mikey at Glowjob.
JPalm Presents
Julia Palm
(Image by Justin Spiers)