Arts and culture projects among key recipients in CLT’s August grants
- Central Lakes Trust
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Central Lakes Trust (CLT) has approved $387,454 in grants at its August meeting, supporting a range of projects that celebrate creativity, diversity, and community connection across the region.
This latest funding round includes four exciting arts and culture initiatives.
Central Lakes Polyfest & Mīharo Art Exhibition
The 2025 Central Lakes Polyfest, hosted by Mīharo, will showcase vibrant cultural performances at the Queenstown Events Centre on 22–23 October. Alongside the live performances, the programme features performing arts workshops, youth career pathway sessions, mentoring opportunities, visual arts workshops, and cultural responsiveness support.
“Central Lakes Polyfest and the Mīharo Art Exhibition & Awards are about celebrating identity and belonging,” says Tara McIntosh, Business & Finance Manager of Mīharo. “They bring people together in a way that is positive, inclusive, and accessible, offering tamariki and rangatahi meaningful opportunities to share their heritage and creativity while strengthening wellbeing and connection across our region.”
In 2024, the festival brought together around 1,480 tamariki and rangatahi who performed for an audience of 10,000 in person and a further 15,000 online. With an expanded programme this year, organisers aim to reach even more people. The accompanying Mīharo Art Exhibition will run for six weeks at Te Atamira from September to October.
Diwali Festival
Hosted by Bhartiya Samaj Queenstown Charitable Trust (BSQCT), the Diwali Festival will take place on Saturday, 11 October 2025 at the Queenstown Events Centre. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most widely celebrated cultural events across India and the world. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
“We have proudly hosted this free community celebration for the past eight years, and this year’s celebration will be the third sustainable Diwali held in New Zealand,” says Mangal Behal, president of BSQCT. “This year also marks a special milestone as BSQCT celebrates 10 years since its establishment, continuing its mission of fostering cultural harmony and community spirit.”
The 2025 festival is expected to attract over 2,000 attendees and will feature a vibrant programme of performances not only from the Indian community but also from other cultural groups, including Latin American, Nepalese, and Māori artists. Additional performances will come from across New Zealand and as far afield as Melbourne, Australia.
Nothing to Fear – immersive theatre experience
Produced by Fine Thyme Theatre Company, Nothing to Fear will transform the Cromwell Bowling Club into a haunted mansion for a fully immersive audience experience from 15-18 October. Written by local resident Lisa Clough, the production invites the audience to become part of the story in this ghostly setting, bringing a new dimension to local theatre.
Pride Week Wānaka 2025
From 1–7 September, OUT&about Wānaka will host Pride Week 2025, a full week of events, education sessions, and activities for all ages. Highlights include a Queer Film Fest, Quiz Night, and Youth Mental Health First Aid training delivered in partnership with Path Wānaka and Community Link. All activities aim to foster empathy, reduce stigma, and promote inclusivity, ensuring our community remains a place where everyone feels safe, accepted, and valued.
Mat Begg, CLT Grants Manager, says, “Arts and culture play a vital role in building strong, connected communities. We are delighted to support these initiatives that bring people together, celebrate diversity, and offer creative opportunities for all.”
