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Central Lakes Trust awards $237,546 to promote local arts, education, and heritage initiatives

Central Lakes Trust (CLT) is supporting a diverse range of initiatives with $237,546 in grants approved at its August board meeting. The grants will go towards the construction of two new outdoor spaces, programmes supporting vulnerable members of our community, and projects that preserve and celebrates our heritage.

 

Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust received the largest grant with $95,000 going towards the Wānaka Festival of Colour 2025.

 

“The Wānaka Festival of Colour 2025 will once again transform our town into a lively hub of creativity with performances, art installations, and interactive experiences that celebrate our shared humanity and offer something for everyone,” says Ruth Heath, Executive Director of Wānaka Festival of Colour.

 

“Bringing together diverse performances, voices and perspectives, the festival fosters a sense of connection and inspiration that resonates far beyond our events into the community - impact that would not exist without the Central Lakes Trust, who have been with us from the very beginning.”

 

Smiling people standing outside in the sunshine
The Compliment Cycle at Wānaka Festival of Colour 2023

The Upper Clutha Historical Records Society was awarded $25,000 towards their digital media project.

 

“The CLT grant enables the bold new strategy to create a new community-facing digital media platform and website, under the Wānaka History banner, to bring the stories and vibrant history of Wānaka and surrounding communities to life,” says Bruce Foulds, Treasurer of the Society.

 

“Our particular focus is on exciting the local community and visitors, particularly young people, to interact with community plaques and our web site to easily access the images, oral history recordings, and pioneer stories which make up our rich history.”

 

Other recipients include the Glenorchy Playgroup who received $7,160 towards insulation and double-glazing, and Mount Aspiring College who received $25,000 towards an adventure playground that will be open to the wider community outside of school hours.




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