Creative Spaces Project Returns for 2026

Jun 26, 2026

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Kia ora

Queenstown Lakes District Council and Three Lakes Cultural Trust are once again, playing matchmaker - connecting creativity with spaces across the district as part of Creative Spaces Project 2026.

After last years huge success, we are thrilled to announce expressions of interest are now open for the November 2026 Creative Spaces Project.

New to the project? Creative Spaces is designed to transform all kinds of spaces and places across the Queenstown Lakes District into sites of creative expression - with a district-wide public art exhibition that goes beyond gallery walls. Think laneways, cafes, foyers, libraries and more.

This project is an invitation to local creatives and performers to collaborate with spaces across the district, bringing creativity energy into unexpected places.

Local artists, makers and performers - anyone interested in creativity, placemaking, and community connection.

This is about bringing spaces to life, offering visibility to artists, and contributing to a wider cultural story for our district. It’s an opportunity to build new collaborations between artists, performers, venue owners, and creative thinkers — and to help shape something uniquely local.

We try to keep the process as simple as possible. Expressions of interest are now open, closing on 7 August.

Your expression of interest will help us match you with the right space or place. We will need information about you, your creative idea, and some general information to ensure a perfect match.

Once we expressions of interest close, we will then review all applications and try to match as many local creatives with spaces across the district as best we can.

 

12 June – 7 August 2026: Expressions of Interest are open.

Across August 2026: Matchmaking phase. We may contact you to gather any missing information and connect artists with suitable venues.

1 September 2026: Matches confirmed. Artists and venues will be introduced and can begin working together.

30 September 2026: You confirm all details of your artwork and display with the Creative Spaces Project Team.

25 – 31 October 2026: Installation week.

1 – 30 November 2026: The Creative Spaces Project is live and open to the public.

 CLICK HERE to Express Your Interest 

 The Creative Spaces Project has been created in partnership with

 

All photos are credited to local photographer Deanna Gerlach.