Tuesday, 20 October 2026
Creative Spaces Project returns for 2026
Creativity will once again pop up in unexpected places across the Queenstown Lakes District this November.
Creativity will once again pop up in unexpected places across the Queenstown Lakes District this November, as the Creative Spaces Project returns for a second year.
Delivered in partnership by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and Three Lakes Cultural Trust (TLCT), the project pairs local artists, makers and performers with venues across the district, transforming everyday spaces into places of creative expression.
Following its successful debut in 2025, this year’s project will bring a new collection of creative collaborations to accommodation, retail stores, cafés, foyers, libraries and community spaces, inviting residents and visitors to discover local talent in places they might not expect.
Interest in the project has grown significantly, with almost twice as many local artists putting forward proposals this year. Their work ranges from photography and visual arts to live performances and interactive pieces, with venue partners across the district opening their doors to host creative projects.
“The enthusiasm from both artists and venues shows just how deeply our community values creative expression,” says Samantha Kirk, CEO of Three Lakes Cultural Trust.
“By connecting local artists with everyday spaces, we’re showing what’s possible when creativity becomes part of the daily fabric of our district. It’s an incredible celebration of local talent and an invitation to see our shared spaces in a whole new light.”
The project aligns with Te Muka Toi, Te Muka Tākata, the district-wide Creativity, Culture and Heritage Strategy endorsed by QLDC, which aims to make creativity, culture and heritage more visible, accessible and integrated into everyday environments.
“The Creative Spaces Project shows what can happen when local creatives and venues come together,” says Jan Maxwell, QLDC Relationship Manager, Arts and Events.
“It creates new connections, brings a different energy to familiar places and gives people more opportunities to experience the creativity and talent we have here in the district.”
Running throughout November, the month-long project can be explored via an interactive online map featuring all participating artists, venue partners and installations.
An opening event will be held at Te Atamira on Friday 30 October from 6.30pm, bringing artists, venues and the community together to celebrate the month ahead. The evening will also mark the opening of an exhibition by Upper Clutha environmental artist Martin Hill and Philippa Jones presented as part of the Creative Spaces Project at Te Atamira.
To find out more and plan your creative trail, visit Three Lakes Cultural Trust's website.
The Creative Spaces Project was created in partnership with Queenstown Lakes District Council and Three Lakes Cultural Trust, supported by Creative Queenstown, Central Lakes Trust, Creative New Zealand, Silo and the generous venues and talented artists involved in bringing the project to life.
ENDS|KUA MUTU.
Media contact: 03 441 1802
Credit: Light installation artist Tim Klein at Roost Mortgage Brokers, Arrowtown. Photographer: Deanna Gerlach
Credit: Visual artist Sonia Kiki Jones at 47 Frocks, Wānaka. Photographer: Deanna Gerlach
Credit: Photographer Sampford Cathie “Viewfinder” at Steamer Wharf, Queenstown. Photographer: Deanna Gerlach