Inaugural TAHI Ōtepoti seeking expressions of interest!

By Ōtepoti He Puna Auaha | Dunedin UNESCO City Of Literature | Posted: Friday Nov 07, 2025

Expression of interest open: 7 November 2025 – 31 January 2026

TAHI New Zealand Festival of Solo Performance and Dunedin Arts Festival are presenting the inaugural TAHI Ōtepoti in October 2026. 

TAHI Ōtepoti will uplift, amplify and celebrate the powerful voices of Aotearoa NZ’s storytellers.

TAHI Festival Director Sally Richards says

“TAHI has always been about the power of one, but we know no solo artist works alone. Our model puts that network front and centre – and we’re so excited to be working with Dunedin Arts Festival to bring it to Ōtepoti. We give artists the wraparound support they need to take creative leaps, while growing a platform for their work to be seen.”

Dunedin Arts Festival Director Charlie Unwin says,

”We want to nurture bold new work, present fresh perspectives, and highlight the rich diversity of solo theatre in Ōtepoti and beyond, and this collaboration with TAHI Festival gives us such an exciting new platform to do so. We’re also excited to be able to offer our audiences a fantastic arts experience in between our biennial festivals.”

Expressions of interest are currently open with applications sought from established and emerging Ōtepoti artists (and those from further afield!) who would like to present a solo performer theatre, dance or music show. 

The programming will prioritise diverse, surprising, innovative and exciting stories and will include readings and development showings.

Key dates

·         Expression of interest open: 7 November 2025 – 31 January 2026

·         Decisions advised to all applicants: 28 February 2026

·         TAHI Ōtepoti: 15-18 October 2026

Apply here: Expressions of Interest for TAHI Ōtepoti

About TAHI Festival: TAHI New Zealand Festival of Solo Performance is NZ’s only festival dedicated to solo performance. Founded in 2019 by Dr Sally Richards, TAHI exists to support, showcase, and celebrate solo artists across genres and generations. Now in its sixth year, TAHI continues to foster new work, champion established voices, and build a vibrant national community for solo theatre makers. Learn more at tahifestivalnz.com. 

For more information

Hannah Molloy | Producer | 021501977 | hannah@dunedinartsfestival.co.nz