A major feasibility study regarding the future of performing arts in Dunedin is being jointly funded by the Dunedin City Council and Creative New Zealand.

Ara Toi Relationship Advisor - Arts and Culture, Cara Paterson, says, “We are delighted to announce that, after a request for proposals which attracted eight submissions, Charcoalblue has been selected to lead the study. Over 14 years, Charcoalblue has developed a multidisciplinary team with international, national and local theatre industry expertise.

“The team in Ōtepoti Dunedin will include Stage South to insure a practitioner perspective across the study. The consultants are Eric Lawrence and Erin Shepard from Charcoalblue, Dorita Hannah as an independent theatre design advisor, Greg Randall and Richard Evans from Randall Arts Management and David Pugh from Jasmax Auckland."

The feasibility study will map the current state of the city’s arts and culture infrastructure and present options for a future-focused and sustainable performing arts sector in Dunedin.

The work will provide an opportunity to examine not just the performance spaces our community needs, but also the operating models to support them. The work is likely to take nine months, starting with an engagement phase from November through to March 2019.

“We all care deeply about what makes the performing arts special to our local communities and we all agree that professional theatre and the performing arts are essential to Dunedin’s future,” Cara says.