Te Atamira celebrates three years of creativity and connection
Last Friday, 16 May, marked three years since Te Atamira opened as a dedicated space for creativity and connection in the Whakatipu region. Since then, it has welcomed more than 2,500 visitors each week, growing into one of the most active venues in Aotearoa’s second most creative town.
In the past 12 months, Te Atamira has hosted more than 15 exhibitions featuring local, national and international artists, four festivals, 470 free community programme attendees per month, more than 100 children’s creative workshops, and hosted local and international performers including Louise Potiki Bryant, poets Tusiata Avia, artists Roka Hurihia Ngarimu-Cameron and John Reynolds, actor/director Tearepa Kahi and contemporary art spaces like The Physics Room and Blue Oyster.
Responding to strong demand from the public, Te Atamira has significantly expanded its adult workshop offerings in the past year. Popular free Community Sing, Draw, and Dance classes have grown into a broader suite of creative workshops taught by local experts including Dianne van Brandenburg, Scott Kennedy, Tori Beeche, Jasmine Clark, and Christopher Barnhart, providing opportunities to explore creativity, develop skills, and connect with others.
“Our community tells us every day about how important access to creativity is for their wellbeing and sense of connection,” Director Olivia Egerton says. “We’re proud of what Te Atamira has grown into over three years - a place where art supports identity, celebrates diversity, and strengthens the fabric of this community.”
New and expanded educational partnerships have also flourished. A highlight includes the co-curated interactive elements of the Use Your Words exhibition in collaboration with Liger Leadership Academy in November 2024. Te Atamira continues to work with local schools, offering hands-on creative experiences aligned with curriculum outcomes - facilitated by specialist educators in a dynamic, professionally equipped creative space.
Other major achievements from the past year include the launch of Te Atamira’s online store, supporting local artists and makers, and a growing volunteer programme. Collaborative projects with key arts organisations such as At the World’s Edge Festival, the Chartwell Trust, and the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi have also helped strengthen the centre’s long-term resilience and impact.
This month sees the completion of phase one of Te Atamira’s new outdoor space, which now includes an outdoor performing area, a Raku kiln supported by the Wakatipu Potters Group, and shaded picnic areas for the community. Support has come from local businesses Reset Urban, Remarkables Park Town Centre, TSA Riley, Queenstown Landscaping, Remarkables Park Limited and many more private supporters. Plans for phases two are underway, aimed at introducing new active zones.
“Te Atamira is a living, thriving, evolving space that reflects the heart of our region,” Kevin Bouchier, Co-Chairperson of Te Atamira, says. “None of this would be possible without the generosity of our founders and donors - especially through our Patron’s Programme - and the game-changing support of funders like Central Lakes Trust. Their investment has directly contributed to the creativity and connection we see every day. As we look to the future, we warmly invite others in our community to support and be part of this kaupapa.”
With the Queenstown Lakes District recently ranked the second most creative town in New Zealand according to the Infometrics Creativity Index, Te Atamira is proud to play a central role in advancing the value of arts and culture locally. As the region looks to diversify its economy beyond tourism, investment in creative infrastructure like Te Atamira supports a more vibrant, resilient, and future-focused community.
The public is warmly encouraged to visit, attend events and workshops, or follow Te Atamira online to be part of its next chapter. For more information visit: www.teatamira.nz/whats-on
