Rotorua’s vibrant performing arts scene will be celebrated, supported and championed for generations to come through a new fund set up by Rotorua Performing Arts Trust and Geyser Community Foundation.
As the Trust’s operations come to an end, its remaining funds will establish the Rotorua Performing Arts Legacy Fund, a permanent endowment managed by Geyser Community Foundation and dedicated to supporting the city’s performing arts community.
The fund will only be available to groups and individuals who live in, or whakapapa to, Rotorua, with the first funding round expected to open in June 2028.
Trust Co-chair Gabrielle Thurston says the new fund will ensure local arts not only survive but thrive, particularly in an already tight financial environment.
“The Trust was originally set up to support the redevelopment of the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, while also helping community groups overcome financial barriers to using the state-of-the-art facility.
“To fund that support, the Trust received a $1 levy on tickets sold at the venue, creating a dedicated source of funding.
“We were disappointed when that levy stopped coming to the Trust in 2025, meaning we no longer had an ongoing source of funding to fulfil our purpose.”
Rather than a one-off distribution, Thurston says the Trust wanted to find a way to protect the fund, “ensuring our performing arts community could reap its benefits well into the future”.
“Establishing the Rotorua Performing Arts Legacy Fund allows us to do that, and we’re incredibly proud to create an enduring source of support for local performers and productions.”
The fund will be ring-fenced for kaupapa that increase the creation, public participation and enjoyment of the performing arts in Rotorua.
It also aims to strengthen Rotorua’s identity as a vibrant, creative and culturally rich community and the heart of Māori cultural expression.
From 2028, annual distributions will be made available to eligible local individuals and community groups through a contestable funding process.
Incorporated societies, charitable trusts, schools and kura, community arts organisations, not-for-profit groups and performing arts collectives will be able to apply.
Foundation Chief Executive Rosie Riggir says performing arts are at the heart of Rotorua and Te Arawa identity.
“In my experience, Rotorua is home to some of the best performances in the world.
“Geyser Community Foundation is proud to grow the Rotorua Performing Arts Legacy Fund so it can provide expanding support for local performers, stories, and audiences.”