Te Atamira's Manaaki Nui Gallery at an opening Photo: Neville Porter
A $3.9 million dollar multi-purpose arts and cultural space, Te Atamira, opened in the burgeoning commercial district of Frankton near Queenstown in May 2022. It’s a hub for creative work from the communities that surround the three lakes of the wider Queenstown-Lake District: Whākatipu, Hāwea and Wānaka.
Olivia Egerton Photo: supplied
Te Atamira director, Olivia Egerton, says the strength of that community cultural life has been demonstrated by the centre’s use - up to 2000 people and 35 arts groups use it every week.
Te Atamira includes 22 fit-for-purpose spaces including dance, art, recording, pottery and theatre studios, a youth space, performance venue and public gallery. The latest exhibition there - from the New Zealand Portrait Gallery - is on the work of painter Ian Scott.
Te Atamira Community Nights – draw session with Raquel Carter Photo: supplied
The centre also dispels the notion, says Egerton, the region’s creative ‘richness’ is just centred around the wealthy and tourism and events calendars.
The development has given energy to the development of a draft arts and cultural strategy for the district from the Three Lakes Cultural Trust. This is currently up for consultation. The first of three hui happened this week in Queenstown with the others to follow in Wānaka and Glenorchy.
Olivia Egerton spoke to Culture 101’s Mark Amery.
Īnakinaki – exhibition by central Otago's Kristin O'Peren Sullivan Photo: David Oakley
Cindy Huang, Vase making public programme at Te Atamira Photo: supplied
