Preston Mc'Neill shares this kaupapa in an artist talk. As an avid “spacies” player growing up in Ngongotahā in the ‘80s, it was a childhood dream of McNeil’s to own an arcade machine. Not long after completing a Bachelor of Design, that dream was fulfilled, starting his journey into understanding the technical anatomy of arcade machines.

McNeil unveils “Round One” of Arca Arcade, an exhibition that marks his debut as a creator of physical artworks. With a large back catalogue as a music video director and content creator, he brings a wealth of creative expertise to this new endeavour.

It is the combination of design sensibilities, technical can-do, and arcade gaming pedigree that places McNeil reclaim those childhood dreams. Arca Arcade is a convergence of nostalgic technology and contemporary artistic sensibilities. Under the meticulous direction of designer Preston Khan McNeil, playable arcade machines take on a transformative role as wall-mounted installations that are adorned with te ao Māori influences and styles of Aotearoa New Zealand’s eminent artists.