A local arts trust painted a less than rosy picture of the current arts scene in Wanaka at the council’s 2020 Annual Plan hearing in Wanaka last week (May 29). 

Three Lakes Cultural Trust trustee Julian Knights said artists had been hard hit by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many losing paid work in art or the part-time jobs they rely on to support art practises. 

The trust has stepped in to help the district’s artists survive the challenging times, with multiple initiatives. 

Trustees have “been very busy over the last eight weeks providing support to these artists,” Julian said.

The trust was formed in 2019 with a mission to support and encourage arts and culture in Queenstown Lakes district.

In light of COVID-19, it had been helping by giving advice and providing information on how to improve digital marketing, the best ways to apply for grants funding, and more. 

The trust has also raised $100,000 for an exhibition later in the year with the theme of renewal. 

At the Annual Plan hearing, Julian sought a $75,000 grant to fund an administrative position for the trust, and a $100,000 grant for the trust’s 2020/2021 projects, which include a web portal and a series of webinars.

He also asked council to include a ‘cultural infrastructure plan’ in the Annual Plan process.

“Arts and culture make a really valuable contribution...to a vibrant community,” Julian said.

Since its inception, one of the trust’s goals has been to diversify the economy in Queenstown Lakes, which is now more important than ever, fellow trustee Hetty Van Hale said.

“..As our communities face social disconnection and economic hardship, it is vital that arts and culture play a strong role in rebuilding community resilience and wellbeing…”, she said.

Mayor Jim Boult thanked the trust for “the good work the trust is doing for artists in the community”.

PHOTO: Wanaka App