About Creative Hamilton

Creative Hamilton is an Incorporated Society working towards a future where there is a social, cultural, economic and political climate that values arts and creativity, and the individuals and groups that create art.

The Creative Hamilton advocates for and represents - locally and nationally - artistic and cultural groups and individuals in the Hamilton community.

It promotes the development of a Hamilton identity in the arts - both locally and nationally.

The Creative Hamilton supports initiatives which encourage participation in the arts for the people of the community of Hamilton.

It provides resources, facilities, opportunities, and advice for people (individually and collectively) in the Hamilton community to have access to the arts and for people to develop and upgrade skills, experience and knowledge (practical or theoretical, formal or informal) in the arts, as well as in the management, production, marketing and general promotion of the arts.

Creative Hamilton is governed by a Management Committee of 12 to 15 members. The Management Committee offer their time voluntarily and are nominated by and elected for a 2 year term by current financial members at the Annual General Meeting.

Our current councillors are:

	Scott Ratuki Chairperson Scott is an Associate at Tompkins Wake who specialises in Intellectual property law. Scott co-ordinates Legalised Art - a programme provided in conjunction with Creative Hamilton offering free preliminary legal advice to the creative arts. Scott's personal involvement in the creative arts is musical, although he is passionate about all forms of creative endeavor.
	Annick Janson Secretary Annick is passionate about the potential for contribution of the arts in therapy with multicultural and special need populations. As Microsoft NZ Partners in Learning Research Director she focuses on how leadership and technology enhance educational and creative aims.
	Lisa Pemberton Treasurer Lisa lives vicariously by supporting others who can make our world a more exciting place with art or performance. Passionate about Hamilton's art "scene" growing, Lisa thinks that Hamilton needs to recognise and support our artists. Venues, qualifications, opportunities, space, funding, support - Lisa feels all of these things are important "but the residents of our city must take ownership of our arts scene - we must support our growing pool of artists and performance artists, providing them with an audience! "
	Craig Muntz Craig has been based in Hamilton for over 15 years. He has a particular interest in Maori Performing Arts and has performed at the regional, national and international level. Craig also has a strong event management, management consultancy and community development background. He is married with three children.
	Nicolas Wells Nicolas has been involved in the performing arts in Hamilton for many years. He is a former Chairperson and member of the Opus Chamber Orchestra and has performed with the Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra, a former committee member and Life Member of Hamilton Playbox Repertory Society and a member of the Riverlea Theatre Board of Management. Nicolas is a founding Trustee of the Hamilton Performing Arts Trust and is currently a member of the Hamilton Community Arts Council.
	Andrew Buchanan-Smart
	Yurika Arai I'm a freelance translator and language teacher, living in Hamilton for nearly 20 years. Originally from Japan, I have long-term interest in traditional arts, especially music. I would like to contribute to Hamilton's art scene through cultural events that promote wide variety of artforms, both traditional and new.

Creative Hamilton Currently employes two staff:


Adrienne Clothier	Jayne Lawrence
Funding Advisor/ Finance Officer	Administrator
Adrienne "at" creativehamilton.org.nz	Jayne "at" creativehamilton.org.nz

What we do

advise community groups seeking funding
administer grants from Hamilton City Council and Creative New Zealand
communicate between arts groups and the wider community
liaise with city council on events involving creative activities in the community
act as an advocate for arts and cultural groups
monitor city council arts and culture policies
promote visiting artists
survey community needs in all areas of the arts
promote the installation of art works in the public environment
liaise with community groups regarding suitable arts venues
encourage the development of Hamilton as a multi-cultural city
work towards the development of the cultural heart of the city
develop an atmosphere of creativity as a vital part of city life