About

Pirate & Queen is a Wellington-based arts company, developing and presenting new work across multiple disciplines. We initiate projects of our own, collaborate with other artists to develop theirs, and work with partners to bring work to audiences.

Alongside producing and touring, we provide structural support — from funding, advising and contracting through to long-term stewardship of projects. Our festivals and public programmes are part of this wider practice, providing platforms through which projects are developed and shared.

Pirate & Queen was founded in 2014 by Claire Mabey and Andrew Laking, following more than a decade working as artists and producers in New Zealand and internationally.

LitCrawl. Photo by Vanessa Rushton

Team

The company is led by co-directors Andrew Laking and Claire Mabey, supported by advisors and collaborators on a project-by-project basis. We work regularly with two independent advisory governance boards: Elemental Arts Trust and Wellington Treasure Trust.

Partners: Pirate & Queen collaborates with cultural organisations and festivals across Aotearoa and Australia, including WellingtonNZ, Wellington City Council, TEG Live, Dark Mofo, Vivid Sydney, and Rising Melbourne.