Creative Taupō, the trust set up to deliver on arts priorities in the district through a strategic partnership arrangement with the Taupō District Council, has had a change of arts coordinator.
The group’s inaugural coordinator Lauren Fletcher (Ngāti Tūwharetoa) has stood down from the part time position as she takes up additional work within her current roles in iwi engagement and project leadership.
Creative Taupō Trust board member Chris Marshall will step in as arts coordinator until the end of 2027.
Creative Taupō chair Toni Sullivan said Fletcher had helped lead the trust through the initial stages of organising legal status, setting priorities and developing administrative processes, bringing a wealth of organisational experience as well being a strong connection for the trust with the Tūrangi area.
“It was great to work with Lauren as we look to build platforms that amplify creative voices especially in our rural and underrepresented communities.”
The arts coordinator, a part time position and the trust’s only paid role, acts as a connector, said Sullivan, for Creative Taupō events, its newly developed website, workshops, and community engagement activities.
“Their role is really to help ensure our strategy lives and breathes at every level.”
Marshall, who has been helping manage the Creative Taupō website with designers Legend, said he wanted to see the site become more of a go-to hub for those seeking to connect with local artists, musicians, actors and dancers.
“It’s really a space for all and any local creatives to sign up for free which should enable greater connections between them, and having local venues and events also listed means anyone looking for an artistic experience should visit it for that too.
“However, we really need critical mass so it is more comprehensive, and I’m encouraging painters, potters, dance schools, music teachers, authors, photographers, and groups… anyone and everyone to get on there. Taupō District is full of artistic talent and Creative Taupō is keen to showcase that.”
He was also keen for venues that had performance space or walls used to display art to sign up.
“This could be cafés, bars, churches, halls run by groups as well as what you might think of first when you think of a venue, such as the Great Lake Centre or Centrestage’s Playhouse. The website wants to be a resource for visiting or local artists to consult to find a spot for their latest exhibition, show or gig.”
Creative Taupō’s work with Centrestage’s Jo Bixley to help facilitate local groups and artists participating in this year’s Taupō Winter Festival with event organiser Nicola de Lautour were a perfect fit for the organisation, said Marshall.
“I think Creative Taupō is beginning to find its feet now within the creative community and will be looking to advocate for the arts locally alongside its other role of assisting individuals and groups source funds or become more self-sustaining.”
The Creative Taupō website is: Creative Taupō | Create. Connect. Cultivate.
