Ruth Heath, executive director of the Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust, which delivers the popular Wanaka Festival of Colour and Aspiring Conversations, has been appointed the new director of local arts and cultural hub, Te Atamira. She takes over on August 4 from influential founding director Olivia Egerton, who has put the Remarkables Park centre on the national radar since setting it up three years ago.
Heath has accumulated a depth of experience in arts leadership, community engagement and festival organisation, and has a strong belief in the power of the arts to connect, uplift and strengthen communities.
Te Atamira co-chair Kevin Bouchier says they’re impressed by her ability to extend access to the arts, develop and grow new audiences and deliver a dynamic programme reflecting the community.
Heath is part of Creative New Zealand’s new new-leaders programme, is on the board of Wanaka’s Mount Aspiring College and is co-owner of Wanaka’s The People’s Bread Co.
Bouchier says Heath’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga and manaakitanga also resonated with the board.
"We are excited for what lies ahead under Ruth’s leadership and invite our community, artists, partners and friends to join us in extending a warm welcome and our full support."
Heath says she’s delighted to be joining "a special team at a special place". Te Atamira is an exciting creative hub, and I look forward to working with artists, partners and the people of the Whakatipu to continue the beautiful mahi Olivia and the team have begun — shaping a place that inspires, reflects and supports the rich arts and cultural life of this region, for all of the community."
