Project 100 is an independent arts hub on Collingwood Street, Whakatū Nelson
Housed in a former laundromat, Project 100 brings together a gallery, artist studios, and a jewellery workshop under one roof. We’re a place that gives artists the space, freedom, and support to experiment, and to connect those ideas directly with the community.
GALLERY
The gallery is the public face of Project 100. Each month it’s handed over to a new artist or collective, giving them the chance to transform the space with exhibitions, performances, or workshops. Always changing and always artist-led, the gallery keeps things fresh and connected with the wider community.
THE BENCH
The Bench, School for Jewellery is Project 100’s in-house jewellery studio, founded by contemporary jeweller Kay van Dyk. Equipped with specialist tools and facilities, it offers affordable bench hire, classes, and workshops. The Bench supports both skill development and community among Whakatū’s growing group of contemporary jewellers, as well as those simply looking to try something new, grow a hobby, and connect with other creative souls.
STUDIOS
Project 100 offers private studio spaces for working artists. These studios provide affordable, central workspaces in a vibrant creative hub. With the gallery and a community of peers next door, studio artists benefit from both independence and connection, a place to develop their practice while being part of the wider Project 100 community.
Studio spaces are currently full.
Project 100 Gallery
Project 100 is a contemporary gallery and project space in central Whakatū Nelson. Our aim is to bring diverse, exciting projects to the city and to offer space to artists working on the fringes of contemporary practice.
Each month the gallery is given to a new artist or collective to curate and use on their own terms — whether that means exhibitions, live events, performances, or experimental projects. From painting and sculpture to sound, installation, and workshops, no two months look the same.
The space itself is a former laundromat, now a beautiful, accessible pop-up gallery with full glass frontage onto Collingwood Street. Surrounded by local gems like Family Jewels Records, The Free House, Kiln Pottery, Lee Woodman Studios, Viewfinder, and a cluster of eateries and stores, it’s part of a lively neighbourhood that makes every visit more than just a gallery trip. Free parking is available nearby at Buxton Carpark.
We welcome artists from Whakatū and across Aotearoa to exhibit, keeping Whakatū connected to current practice from around the motu. Funded residencies may also be available upon request.
Meet the Team
Project 100 is run by Hilary Johnstone and Olive Gallagher, friends and collaborators with deep roots in Whakatū’s creative community. Together they guide the vision and daily operations of the space, working closely with artists to ensure Project 100 remains open, accessible, and energised.
Hilary has had a lifelong love of the arts and believes a life without art is no life at all. She grew up surrounded by creativity and later studied at NMIT, completing the three-year Diploma in Visual Arts. A practising jeweller and maker herself, Hilary is passionate about the cultural, political, and inspirational value that art brings to our lives. With this vision, she bought an old laundromat and transformed it into Project 100, a space to support artists and keep Whakatū creative scene thriving.
Invited by Hilary to help bring the idea to life, Olive is the driving force behind the day-to-day running of Project 100. She manages communications, artist support, and all things technical, making sure the space runs smoothly. Where Hilary brings the vision, Olive brings the momentum
Join the Community
Project 100 runs a little differently to most galleries, we provide the space at no cost to artists and take no commission on works sold. Our volunteers make this possible and are a vital part of our community.
By stepping in when artists can’t be in the gallery, supporting us at openings, hosting events, minding the space, or welcoming visitors, you’ll be helping artists share their work with the public.
In return, you’ll get a front-row seat to exciting new projects, connect with Whakatū’s creative community, and meet exhibiting artists from across Aotearoa. Volunteers are always welcome at openings and HOT CHIPS events, and if The Bakery is open while you’re on duty, your coffee’s on us.
Project 100 exists solely to support makers and artists, and we’re excited to soon be recognised as a Charitable Trust.