The Future of Creativity and Culture
As the Queenstown Lakes District evolves, the question is not just what we build, but how people live, connect and belong here.
Across the world, cities, towns and regions are facing the same challenge. Culture is not an add-on. It is essential to social connection, community wellbeing and long-term economic resilience.
This forum brings together local, national and international perspectives to explore what’s happening here, what’s working elsewhere, and what this means in practice for this place.
From studios and venues to public space, heritage and access, this is about the infrastructure behind everyday life — the part you don’t always see, but feel and the role it plays in how a place functions, not just how it looks.
This is about what comes next.
Where is culture already working well?
Where is it under strain?
What is missing — and what would unlock more?
Come along. Add your perspective.
This event is now sold out.
If you would still like to attend, please add your name onto the waiting list below.
This full-day forum brings together local, national and international voices exploring the role of creativity, culture and community in shaping the future.
From public policy and cultural infrastructure through to access, identity, belonging and economic resilience.
Facilitated by
- Johny O’Donnell
Opening Kōrero
- Professor Michael Stevens
Keynote Presentation
Under the Radar: A Briefing on the Creative Economy
- Steven Youngblood
Insights Presentation
Field Notes: Ayrburn: A heritage, placemaking and cultural tourism showcase
- Lauren Christie
Panel Session
Luxury or Lifeline? The Art of Access and Affordability in Hard Times
- Katie Querin
- Victoria Crockford
- Silvia Dancose
International Keynote
Lessons from Creative Ireland/Éire Ildánach: Localism, Investment and Public Policy
- Sheila Deegan
National Perspective
Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa: Creativity, Investment and Sector Futures
- Gretchen La Roche
Insights Presentation
Field Notes: The Role of Creative Spaces and Community Infrastructure
- Ruth Heath, Te Atamira
Closing Panel
Making Space: Insights on Advocacy, Investment and Infrastructure
- Dr Jeremy Mayall
- Dr Leslie Van Gelder
- Gisella Carr
- Samantha Kirk
Steven Youngblood
Steven Youngblood is a strategy consultant with over 20 years' experience in and around the public service. He was Poururuku Taumata Tirotiro | General Manager Strategy and Insights at the Toi Mai Workforce Development Council – the workforce development body for Aotearoa's creative, cultural, recreation and technology sectors.
Lauren Christie
Lauren Christie builds things that last. Not simply structures or brands, but the kind of places that hold meaning. As General Manager of Winton's Queenstown office, Lauren operates at the intersection of vision and delivery, translating ambitious development briefs into living, breathing environments.
Katie Querin
Kate Querin - Whakahohe a Toi Ōritetanga / Arts For All Activator for Arts Access Aotearoa.
Dr. Jeremy Mayall
Dr. Jeremy Mayall is the CEO of Creative Waikato - a regional arts organisation. He is also a composer, performer, artist, and researcher from Kirikiriroa-Hamilton, NZ. His creative work is primarily in music, sound art, installation and multimedia formats, with a focus on exploring the interrelationships between sound, time, space, the senses, and the human experience.
