Central Lakes Trust’s (CLT) September grants round saw close to $1.5 million granted to charitable organisations, including $700,000 towards the establishment of an arts and cultural facility, Te Atamira in Queenstown Lakes.
The $4.2 million dollar project to establish an arts and cultural facility for the community is ‘now another step closer’ says Te Atamira development director Olivia Egerton, who is delighted with confirmation of this significant grant from a major funder.
“We are all elated! The Trust’s support is integral to achieving the fundraising goals for Te Atamira, and we are delighted to have CLT’s commitment towards this much needed community facility. Along with private donors and support from businesses, CLT’s grant means we are now over halfway to having all the funding in place. We are hopeful other funders will also support this worthy cause. We are continuing to push forward, and we will hopefully commence work on the fit-out in the first week of November.”
She further adds, “Central Lakes Trust’s support is an important seal of approval and vote of confidence that this project is by and for the community. It also realises the decades of hard work of many who have supported arts and culture, and done so without fit-for-purpose facilities. Hopefully, they will soon have a well-designed and equipped space to create in.”
“We all know Queenstown Lakes has experienced phenomenal population growth over the past years. It stands to reason that community facilities also need to grow in order to accommodate this rapidly growing population. This facility will cater to more than 40 groups and organisations who have indicated interest in the nearly 1,400 square metre space. It will offer two dance studios, two theatre spaces, a recording studio, multiple artist studios and music spaces, a pottery workshop, a workshop classroom, a curated art gallery, and a flexible youth focused space,” she says.
Groups eager to use the space include the Wakatipu Potters and the Queenstown Performing Arts Trust which includes DEVOS dance, Wakatipu Conservatoire of Classical Ballet, Remarkables Dance Crew, Turn up the Music, Queenstown Arts Centre and several independent art and music teachers.
CLT chair Linda Robertson says, CLT recognises the need to respond to the region’s population growth and the importance of arts and culture to our region’s long term resilience.
“Arts and culture enrich people’s quality of life and contribute to the cultural, social and economic vitality of the district, something we need more than ever. That over 40 groups have already indicated they would use the space shows the demand is certainly there.” says Ms Robertson.
Coastguard Wanaka Lakes are also recipients of a grant towards their new marine rescue centre based at Eely Point.
President Jonathan Walmisley says, ”We have been working alongside the Trust for a number of years while we got our final site approved, to have our plans come to fruition is fantastic. Having a dedicated emergency response hub will be a real asset for the community. It will allow a quicker response in emergency situations and will house our new rescue boat and equipment.”
Since the Trust commenced 21 years ago, it has granted over $133 million back into the community. A total of $8.35 million of the $9.60 million grants budget for the 2021/22 financial year has been allocated to date, with three funding rounds remaining in the current financial year.