A dream 20 years in the making, Te Atamira - Queenstown’s multi-purpose arts and cultural space - is now in its third year of operation and boasts more than 82,000 visitors each year.
Each week, this thriving arts hub fosters countless community connections for all ages and creative interests. At least a thousand, aged 16 and under, come through Te Atamira supported by pre-school, after school, and school holiday programmes. Twenty percent of visitors are tourists keen to include a creative workshop within a longer stay in the region.
The building itself is designed for everyone, with 22 purpose-built spaces hosting everything from resident artists to exhibitions, performances and events.
Te Atamira actively supports the growth of visual arts, culture, music, literature and dance. Artists in turn share their skills and knowledge through a wide range of workshops throughout the year.
Among the many creative talents, renowned singer Margaret O’Hanlon runs 'The Singers Workshop', helping individuals find their voice. The centre has also hosted acclaimed creatives like film director Tearepa Kahi, author Caroline Barron, esteemed art curators and cultural leaders including Mary Kisler and Karl Chitham, and te reo Māori advocate Paulette Tamati-Elliffe.
Upcoming workshops feature New Zealand artists Veronica Herber and Ani O’Neill, along with Queenstown locals Kelly Pearce and Diane van Brandenberg, promising more opportunities for creativity to flourish.
Te Atamira has laid the foundation for a thriving arts hub where communities across the Queenstown Lakes can come together to express themselves creatively.
Director Olivia Egerton, a finalist in the 2024 Spirit of Whakatipu Awards, believes in the profound impact the arts have on community connection and resilience. She reflects on its success, emphasising the deeper role the arts play in continuing to build community resilience and wellbeing.
“Te Atamira is a vital space for community connection, especially in a time when loneliness affects so many. The arts bring people together, helping us share our stories and feel authentically seen and heard in a world that often feels isolating,” Olivia says.
Free community workshops for drawing, singing and dance take place on the first three Tuesdays of every month and are increasingly popular, with a recent ‘Drawing for Anxiety’ workshop with local artist Kasia Hebda attracting record attendance of close to 60 people.
With an ever-expanding exhibition and festival schedule of community events and world-renowned artists, the venue is a canvas for a diverse number of activities. Te Atamira is proud to host the annual ‘At World’s Edge Festival’ and ‘Queenstown’s Writer’s Festival’ each Spring, to name a few.
Te Atamira has established itself as a cornerstone of Queenstown’s artistic life, but this is just the beginning. As a charitable trust, the centre still heavily relies on philanthropic support to continue growing and fulfilling its mission of nurturing creativity.
With a vision for expanding its facilities to further support Queenstown’s artistic future, Te Atamira invites locals and visitors alike to get involved - whether through donations, volunteering, or simply experiencing the vibrant array of events and workshops. Find out what’s on here.