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by Samantha Kirk - Chief Operating Officer / Three Lakes Cultural Trust

What a year it’s been! Our district has shown just how ready it is to embrace creativity, culture, and heritage. Across festivals, workshops, exhibitions, and hui, participation has been high. This past year showed what a shared vision can do: more people than ever are turning up, creating work, forming collectives, testing ideas, and putting this place on the map as a home for innovation and expression.

And the numbers speak for themselves: $34 million contributed to the Queenstown Lakes economy, reflecting the sector’s growing role alongside tourism and other industries. 5.64% of the local workforce now work in creative industries - second only to Wellington.*

This is where the Three Lakes Cultural Trust (TLCT) comes in. As the district’s Regional Arts Organisation, we connect people, places and resources to keep creativity and culture visible, valued and viable. We listen district-wide and turn ideas into action.

In June, we hosted the Te Muka Toi, Te Muka Tākata Hui, a first here. Creatives, cultural leaders, innovators, producers, businesses, and organisations came together over four days to connect, collaborate, and elevate the conversation around creativity and culture. “Thank you for creating this space. It’s invaluable professional development for creatives who rarely get time to step back and connect,” was one response that stayed with us.

Beyond the hui, TLCT continues to back the sector through capability-building programmes, mentoring, and partnerships that strengthen creative practice. Through Te Wāhi Toi, our digital platform, we’ve connected 2,000+ creatives and events to audiences and sent 100,000+ newsletters - helping people find, support and celebrate what’s happening across the district.

But let’s be real: creative communities face shared challenges - under-resourcing, shrinking public funding, lack of spaces, uneven access, and the struggle to earn sustainable incomes. Yet a shift is underway. Councils and governments globally recognise that creativity, culture, and heritage are more than entertainment; they’re strategic assets that drive connection, innovation, stronger economies, and resilience.

With key partners Queenstown Lakes District Council, Lakes District Museum & Gallery, and a network of community-led groups and organisations, we’re building a district where creativity and culture are part of everyday life, visible, valued and accessible for everyone.

What happens next matters. We know that when opportunities are created, people show up. The Creative Spaces Project is next, connecting creatives with under-utilised spaces so people can make and show work now while we plan for what’s still needed. You’ll see this taking shape across the district in November.

If you’re a creative looking to connect, head to TLCT for capability resources and the latest opportunities. For everyone, sign up to Te Wāhi Toi to stay across what’s happening. When creativity and culture thrive, everyone benefits.

*Sourced from Infometrics NZ