Wānaka Festival of Colour executive director Ruth Heath has been named as the new director of Queenstown’s arts and cultural centre, Te Atamira.

The Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust Board said Ruth will step down from the role in early August.

The board thanked Ruth for being “an exceptional steward of the trust” during her tenure as executive director.

“Her collaborative approach and genuine passion for the arts have strengthened our organisation - from modernising systems and seeing us through tough periods while keeping our festivals strong and vibrant, to nurturing our incredible community of audiences, artists, supporters, sponsors, volunteers and staff,” they said.

Ruth Heath PHOTO: Deanna Gerlach

Ruth said the Wānaka Festival of Colour and Aspiring Conversations are “extraordinary festivals and it has been a privilege to serve the trust and this community in bringing these to life”.

“A wonderful opportunity now exists for a new leader to carry the vision forward and further strengthen arts leadership in our region.”

Ruth said she was “delighted to be joining a special team at a special place”. 

She is part of the inaugural cohort of Creative New Zealand’s New Leaders Programme, alongside 25 arts leaders from across the country. 

The Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust Board said the recruitment process for a new executive director is underway.