A group of locals have envisioned a creative arts centre for Wanaka which would support local artists and attract large touring professional events.

Group members - Mark Verbiest, Prue Wallis, Michael Sidey, Emily McRae, Allan Dippie, Kirsty Hazledine, Gizelle Regan, Alistair King and Annis Somerville - say the size and function of local venues limit the development of the Wanaka arts scene.

A fit-for-purpose centre would have many benefits, they say.

“It would become a cornerstone to developing a culture of learning and expression for our young people and of innovation and creativity for this region, with wide-spread social, cultural, wellbeing and economic benefits,” representative Michael Sidey said. 

“Such a centre would support many community activities including dance, drama, kapa haka, music, choirs, comedy, jazz, cabaret, school concerts, circus, rehearsals, exhibitions, arts programmes and classes, corporate events, trade shows and more.”

The group says the “extraordinary success” of events like the Festival of Colour and Aspiring Conversations show there is strong demand for arts activities in Wanaka.

Both Wanaka and Queenstown communities lack creative arts facilities consistent with population growth, he said, and this is recognised in Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) new draft Long Term Plan (LTP), which includes allowances for performing arts facilities ($57.27M) and Open Spaces / Plaza($6.4M). 

“We presume these funds will be allocated proportionally across the region and we have several local community members who have  expressed their willingness to donate funds if the project was to receive foundation capital by council.”

They encourage locals to have their say on the draft LTP here.

The group will set up public consultation meetings to gauge community interest in a creative arts centre. Findings will then be shared on a public forum to seek discussion and feedback, and to build community support and involvement if the community is supportive. 

“If support is clear our next step is to advocate for a professional feasibility study to establish a firm foundation for the project, define its scope and cost, and identify the community benefits that would flow,” Michael said. 

PHOTO: Supplied