Te Atamira Announces New Director
Ruth Heath brings a depth of experience in arts leadership, community engagement, and festival presentation. She has worked across Te Waipounamu South Island in roles spanning creative direction, producing, governance, community development, education, and events. Her cross-sector experience is grounded in a strong belief in the transformative power of the arts to connect, uplift, and strengthen communities.
Ruth is currently Executive Director of the Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust, home to the much-loved Wānaka Festival of Colour | Te Kaupeka Rau and Aspiring Conversations. Known for her thoughtful and collaborative leadership style, Ruth is committed to creating platforms for diverse voices and creative exploration.
Te Atamira Board Co-Chair Kevin Bouchier says the Board was deeply impressed by Ruth's proven ability to expand community access to the arts, develop and grow new audiences and deliver a dynamic programme that is unique and reflects the community. Recently recognised by Creative New Zealand's New Leaders programme, Ruth's commitment to the Queenstown Lakes District community is demonstrated through her roles as a Board Member at Mount Aspiring College and business owner of The People's Bread Co in Wānaka.
'Ruth's strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga, and manaakitanga - principles that sit at the heart of Te Atamira's values - particularly resonated with us. On behalf of the Board and team, we are excited for what lies ahead under Ruth's leadership and invite our community, artists, partners and friends to join us in extending a warm welcome and our full support,' says Bouchier.
'I'm delighted to be joining a special team at a special place. Te Atamira is an exciting creative hub, and I look forward to working with artists, partners, and the people of the Whakatipu to continue the beautiful mahi Olivia and the team have begun - shaping a space that inspires, reflects and supports the rich arts and cultural life of this region, for all of the community,' says Ruth Heath.
Ruth is part of the inaugural cohort of Creative New Zealand's New Leaders Programme, alongside 25 arts leaders from across Aotearoa. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Canterbury and a Certificate in Creativity from The Learning Connexion – School of Creativity and Art. Ruth is based in Wānaka where she lives with her husband Jeremy and their four children.
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