The Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki, also known as CoCA, is a leading art gallery located in the center of Christchurch, New Zealand. CoCA is governed by the Canterbury Society of Arts Charitable Trust, which is chartered with the objective to foster people’s connection and appreciation for the art of our time. The gallery has a rich history, beginning in 1880 as the Canterbury Society of Arts (CSA), which was the first organization to exhibit and collect artworks in Christchurch.
The CSA played an essential role in New Zealand's burgeoning arts scene and quickly became the most influential and dynamic arts society in New Zealand.
CoCA presents a dynamic program of exhibitions offering an expansive view of contemporary art and diverse cultural perspectives, supported by compelling, participatory arts experiences, within their gallery, across the community, and beyond. The gallery shows innovative, explorative, and sometimes confounding art that will become important history tomorrow. CoCA is viewed as providing audiences and arts practitioners with crucial opportunities to connect, collaborate, and participate in free and low-cost events.
CoCA will partner with key arts organizations across the region, including ARA Te Pukenga and UC Fine Arts, to nurture and promote talent at a tertiary level. CoCA will remain focused on developing relationships with arts organizations such as Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu, The Physics Room, and Paemanu Ngai Tahu Visual Arts for enhanced collaboration and greater efficiency. CoCA's exhibitions and events are announced on their website and social media channels.
The gallery has a range of upcoming exhibitions and events, including Tia Barrett: He Pounamu Ko Au Kitea ai te pounamu i o tatau wai, which runs from June 24 to August 20, 2023, and Where light and footsteps fold, a two-part, site-specific mural by Megan Brady. In summary, CoCA is a must-visit destination for art lovers visiting Christchurch, New Zealand. The gallery has a rich history, presents innovative and explorative art, and offers opportunities for audiences and arts practitioners to connect, collaborate, and participate in free and low-cost events. CoCA's upcoming exhibitions and events can be found on their website and social media channels.