Queenstown Arts Society - creating creative communities
Queenstown Arts Society (QAS) has been part of the Whakatipu creative community for nearly 65 years. As one of the region’s longest-standing visual arts organisations, QAS exists to create opportunities for people to make art, exhibit work, connect with other creatives, and participate in the cultural life of the region.
While QAS works closely with organisations including Te Atamira and values those partnerships enormously, it is important to us that people understand QAS is its own independent charitable society with its own history, membership, programmes, and community. Unlike a venue or commercial creative business, QAS is membership-based and community-led, focused specifically on supporting local visual artists and growing participation in the visual arts.
Currently we are developing new initiatives including a new programme designed to give local artists and emerging curators opportunities to lead exhibitions, gain visibility, and build experience. QAS is also exploring new exhibition opportunities outside its traditional spaces, including plans for an ongoing exhibition presence in the QLDC foyer at 10 Gorge Road. We strive to create more visibility for local artists and more opportunities for the public to encounter creativity in everyday life.
Importantly, QAS thrives because people get involved. The society is powered by volunteers contributing everything from curation and installation to photography, sponsorship, graphic design, writing, communications, and event support. Increasingly, people are also approaching QAS with ideas for workshops, programmes, collaborations, and creative projects of their own. We’d love to hear from as many of those people as possible!
There is no single “type” of person who belongs at QAS. Some members are established artists, some are exhibiting for the first time, and others simply want to be more connected to the creative life of the Whakatipu.
If you’ve ever thought about getting involved in the arts community, whether as an artist, volunteer, organiser, supporter, sponsor, collaborator, or someone with an idea, this is a wonderful time to step in. QAS would love to hear from you!
To learn more, become a member, or get involved, visit queenstownartsociety.co.nz or follow Queenstown Arts Society online.
