Advocates for a proposed Wānaka Performing Arts and Cultural Centre are asking residents to support the project through submissions to the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) Long Term Plan (LTP).

Plans for the proposed facility include a 500-seat performing arts theatre, a smaller 120 seat rehearsal theatre/dance studio, and a visual arts gallery and foyer space to allow for functions and conferences. 

Wānaka Arts Centre Trust (WACT) chair Michael Sidey has written to locals advising them that the proposed Wānaka Performing Arts and Cultural Facility has not been included in the LTP, which sets council’s spending priorities for the next ten years.

Just a few months ago (May 2) WACT presented its vision of the arts facility to QLDC councillors, and announced high profile ambassadors Sir Sam Neil, Helen Clark ONZ, Justine Cormack DMA, Rima Te Wiata MNZM and Sir Ian Taylor for the project.

‘High quality’ ambassadors supporting the project are Sir Sam Neil, Helen Clark ONZ, Justine Cormack DMA, Rima Te Wiata MNZM and Sir Ian Taylor.

Michael told the Wānaka App at the time there had been a “very positive” response from councillors. WACT asked QLDC to gift a site (likely at Three Parks) for the facility and Michael said WACT intended to fundraise $30M for the project and ask council for $40M.

Michael discovered the project was not included in the LTP at a recent drop-in session with mayor Glyn Lewers and the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board. 

He said he believed QLDC had made that decision “based on inadequate advice from their advisors… [who he thought believed it was] a conference centre with a bit of arts”.

WUCCB member Chris Hadfield, who is also a member of WACT, told the Wānaka App the arts facility proposal hit a snag with council because the feasibility study indicated that such a facility would need to rely on income from conferences in the first few years “until we have the reputation of being able to provide what the performers and organisers want”.

He said the mayor and council said it would be harder to seek money for a conference centre than a performing arts centre.

Creatives of Wānaka director Andrea Beryl said the group supports an arts facility “100 percent”. 

Chris said WACT needs a “commitment in principle” from council.

“We need to know yes or no - will you help us move forward on this? We’ve got to get it in the LTP, whether or not there’s money.”

Michael said the board and mayor advised him and other supporters of the arts facility to submit on the LTP before July 28, noting that such a facility would attract national and international performers, visual artists, and audiences, increase regional visitors and foster community connection.

He has asked QLDC to consider allocating $20M in funding for the initial phases of the project in 2027; an additional $20M in 2028; and provision of an operational subsidy of $500,000 per annum from 2030 to 2035, while collaborating with WACT to secure the remaining funds through public and private contributions.

Creatives Of Wānaka (COW) director Andrea Beryl told the Wānaka App the group “100 percent” supports the development of a Wānaka arts facility 

Andrea said she had already submitted and had encouraged members of COW to do the same.

“Creatives of Wānaka would also encourage anyone in the community who is supportive of the arts to get on board. Any individual or group keen to enhance the arts within our region is worthy of support and applause,” she said.

Submissions on the draft LTP can be made here.

Read more:

• High profile ambassadors support proposed arts facility
• Creatives of Wānaka band together with new group

IMAGES: Supplied