New director for Te Atamira
Following a six-month search across Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas, Queenstown's cultural centre Te Atamira has a new director.
Ruth Heath, who's currently Executive Director of the Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust, home to the Wānaka Festival of Colour and Aspiring Conversations, joins Te Atamira, from Monday 4 August.
Te Atamira Board Co-Chair Kevin Bouchier says Heath brings a depth of experience in arts leadership, community engagement, and festival presentation.
She has worked across Te Waipounamu South Island in roles spanning creative direction, producing, governance, community development, education, and events. Her cross-sector experience is grounded in a strong belief in the transformative power of the arts to connect, uplift, and strengthen communities.
"Ruth’s strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga, and manaakitanga - principles that sit at the heart of Te Atamira’s values - particularly resonated with us," Bouchier says.
"On behalf of the Board and team, we are excited for what lies ahead under Ruth’s leadership and invite our community, artists, partners and friends to join us in extending a warm welcome and our full support."
The multi-purpose, community arts and cultural centre, in Frankton's Remarkables Park, opened back in May 2022, and has established itself as one of the region's creative hubs, supporting a diverse programme of exhibitions, workshops, performances, and events for all ages across its 22 spaces.
Heath is part of the inaugural cohort of Creative New Zealand’s New Leaders Programme, alongside 25 arts leaders from across Aotearoa, and is also a Board Member at Mount Aspiring College and business owner of The People’s Bread Co in Wānaka.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Canterbury and a Certificate in Creativity from The Learning Connexion – School of Creativity and Art, and lives in Wānaka with her husband Jeremy and their four children.
"I’m delighted to be joining a special team at a special place," Heath says.
"Te Atamira is an exciting creative hub, and I look forward to working with artists, partners, and the people of the Whakatipu to continue the beautiful mahi Olivia and the team have begun - shaping a space that inspires, reflects and supports the rich arts and cultural life of this region, for all of the community."
