A $40,000 grant from the Otago Community Trust (OCT) will help Mount Aspiring College (MAC) deliver on its arts facility redevelopment.

MAC principal Nicola Jacbosen told the Wānaka App the funding will ensure the school’s arts learning area is top-tier.

“It will help us achieve a performance and music space where students can learn to use industry-standard technologies,” Nicola said. 

“The grant also helps the space be more flexible - it is a classroom and a performance space for school and community groups.”

The arts facility, which is under construction, features learning spaces for students studying specialist music, art, technology and dance, as well as a small theatre and library area.

The first production in the new theatre space is due to take place in late September. 

See also: ‘First production for MAC’s ‘black box theatre’

The arts facility is part of a major MAC campus redevelopment to update buildings and cater for its growing roll. 

Nicola said she was looking forward to the school and community having access to a “great facility”.

The arts facility funding was announced in the OCT’s August funding round and it is one of three Wānaka grants. 

The OCT also granted Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) $120,000 towards the cost of developing the new youth, community and sports centre in the former Mitre 10 building.

In addition, the Wānaka Rowing Club (WRC) received $5,000 towards the cost of a new safety boat.

Across Otago the OCT granted $506,412 to 26 different organisations in August.

PHOTO: Wānaka App