Local Artists Transform Queenstown with Creative Spaces Project

Queenstown’s council, in collaboration with the Three Lakes Cultural Trust, has launched the Creative Spaces Project, a unique initiative aimed at showcasing local creativity in unconventional locations throughout the district. The project invites residents and visitors to experience a variety of artistic expressions beyond traditional gallery settings.

More than 19 local artists are participating, presenting works that include light installations, paintings, performances, and historic photographs. These exhibitions will be displayed in unexpected venues such as community spaces, lobbies, and scenic lakeside locations. Notable venues include the Queenstown Mountain Club featuring Emma Peers from Studio Peers, Steamer Wharf with artist Sampford Cathie, and Sugar Lane’s Queenstown Marina showcasing Lee Frampton. Additionally, Arrowtown’s Lakes District Museum will host contributions from Trace Element and Simon Holden, alongside O’Connell’s EatSpace.

Samantha Kirk, Chief Operating Officer of the Three Lakes Cultural Trust, emphasized the initiative’s purpose: connecting local artists with community spaces to demonstrate the potential for creativity to blend with everyday life. Kirk stated, “It’s a taster of the incredible talent that exists here, and an invitation for more spaces to open their doors to creative expression year-round.”

The project aligns with the Te Muka Toi, Te Muka Tā kata, also known as the Creativity, Culture and Heritage Strategy, which was endorsed by the council last year. This district-wide community strategy aims to make creativity more visible and accessible in daily environments.

Jan Maxwell, the council’s arts and events relationship manager, praised the project for its ability to foster local collaboration. “The Creative Spaces Project is a wonderful example of this, showing how local collaboration can transform our shared spaces and create moments of connection,” she noted.

For those interested in exploring the full lineup of participating artists and their respective venues, additional details can be found at shorturl.at/pv0eW. As the initiative unfolds, it promises to enrich the cultural landscape of Queenstown, inviting all to engage with the artistic talent that thrives within the community.