A masterplan intended to invigorate the Queenstown Lakes’ arts scene was unveiled at the official launch of the Three
Lakes Cultural Trust tonight.Established in 2019 to help support and encourage the growth of arts and culture in the Queenstown Lakes District, the
Three Lakes Cultural Trust is chaired by Queenstown businessman Bill Moran with SirEionEdgarand Lady Jan Edgar as
co-patrons.
The Trust commissioned globalconsultancyfirm AEA Consulting to produce the district’s first independent Cultural
Masterplan, which was presented at a prestigious event held at the Queenstown Contemporary Gallery this evening.
Three Lakes Cultural Trust chair Bill Moran says the launch event was a tremendous success and the draft Cultural
Masterplan was well received.
“As a trust, we are delighted to introduce ourselves and present the Cultural Masterplan to residents of the Queenstown
Lakes District today,” he says. “This Masterplan is an asset to our region and will serve as a benchmarking tool for the
progression of arts and culture in the Queenstown Lakes, enabling us and other local organisations to collectively
support and strengthen creativity in our communities.”
As well as revealing the region’s first-ever independent plan for arts and cultural provision, the event showcased some
of the Queenstown Lakes’ diverse talent with performances by pianist Mark Wilson, Maori storyteller Darren Rewi, local
singers and dancers, a short theatre piece and an aerial skills performer from Flame Entertainment. Numerous visual arts
were also on display, from extraordinary works by Marc Blake and other local artists to a light show from the creators
of LUMA.
Mayor Jim Boult also spoke at the event, which was attended by about 300 people.
“While this function is a launch, it is actually the result of a few years of hard work by some very dedicated and
capable individuals who have been working to address a glaring omission in the fabric of our district,” Mayor Boult
says.
“The development of a Cultural Masterplan will be a legacy project which will enhance the district for generations. Our
district is known as the “Adventure Capital” of the world. For a variety of reasons, however, the arts have always
struggled to find their rightful place in the spotlight,” he adds.
The Three Lakes Cultural trust is seeking feedback on the Cultural Masterplan from individuals and groups via three
Community Voice meetings in Glenorchy, Queenstown and Wanaka next month. Members of the community are also invited to
submit their feedback by email.
“Instigating change is a collaborative process and we want to ensure we accurately represent the needs of the
communities of the Queenstown Lakes through this Cultural Masterplan,” Moran adds. “Arts and culture are integral in a
well-rounded and economically diverse society and this comprehensive plan is an exciting first step in the creation of a
dynamic, sustainable and world-class cultural life.”
TheThree Lakes Cultural Trust is philanthropically funded andsome generous local residents have sponsored theCultural
Masterplan.Moving forward, the planwill provide a framework for the Trust, includinga context for its fundraising
activities as well as distributionof resources and funds.