Dates: 19 March – 17 May 2026
Times: 9am – 4pm, daily
Exhibition Entry: FREE
Venue: CCC
Geek Speak: Artist Talk + Q&A
6-7pm, Thursday, 19 March 2026
Free all ages event
Preston McNeil charts four decades of arcade culture, design evolution, and personal influence that shaped the creative processes behind the Arca Arcade: Round One exhibition. Drawing on a lifelong relationship with gaming, McNeil unpacks the design methodologies, technical experimentation, and nostalgic touchpoints that informed the project’s development.
This exploration not only reflects on the experiences that sparked Arca Arcade’s materialisation but also offers insight into the next steps of an ongoing creative journey.
Control Freak – Build Your Own Joystick Workshop
12:30-3:30pm, Saturday, 16 May 2026
$90 ticketed event
Preston McNeil gets down and nerdy about all the technical aspects of building an arcade machine. Each joystick kit has all the components needed to build a classic arcade-style controller compatible with PCs. After assembling your controller, you’ll get a quick intro to DIY arcade software, test your build, before taking it home. Teams of two welcome, adult supervision is required for younger participants
Street Fighter II – Hyper Fighting Tournament
12:30-3:30pm, Sunday, 17 May 2026
Free all ages event
Show off your Street Fighter skills and go head-to-head with the best players in the region! If you were the champion at your local arcade or fish’n’chip shop, this is your chance to prove it. With limited spots available, be sure to register early to secure your place.
Exhibitions:
A poignant homage to the enduring allure and cultural significance of arcade gaming with machines that are adorned by te ao Māori influences and styles of Aotearoa New Zealand’s
eminent artists.
Image credit: Preston McNeil & Flox, Manu Drip Fantail, 2023
