Abby O’Neil and Carroll Joynes were presented with the citation by Queenstown Lakes District Mayor John Glover in front of supporters, family and friends at a ceremony at Te Atamira yesterday.
Mr Glover said the couple had bestowed the resort town and wider district with a "magnificent gift" by making the arts more relevant and accessible to the community.
Since Te Atamira opened its doors in 2022, it had become a "cornerstone of our cultural life", Mr Glover said.
"Their vision, generosity and belief in the power of the arts have created a special place where multiple generations meet and engage, strengthening our cultural life and creative opportunities and community connection."
The purpose-built centre in Remarkables Park has dance studios, classrooms, gallery spaces, a performance theatre and a recording studio.
Originally from Chicago, the couple have had a connection to New Zealand since 1999, and built a house in Dalefield, in the Wakatipu Basin, in 2003.
The couple remain involved with Te Atamira as board trustees, and as emeritus members of the Three Lakes Cultural Trust. — Allied Media
