About HCAC
Who we are
The Hamilton Community Arts Council 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 HCAC 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 HCAC 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.
The HCAC provides resources, facilities, opportunities and advice for people in the Hamilton community 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.
The Hamilton Community Arts Council 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:
Alec Forbes
As an actor, Alec has resided in this fair town of ours for a goodly number of years now. Aside from a passion for all things theatrical, Alec partakes of an interest in music and art, but can neither sing or paint. Right-footed, he occupies a defensive role for Barnestoneworth United F.C.
Adrian Holroyd
Rabidly in favour of any and all Shakespeare productions. Working towards the day when ART is the only viable form of human endeavour, and economists have to apply for funding to hire work space from local bodies to do economics.
Daphne Bell
Lisa Pemberton
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! "
Lois Livingston
Lois believes that being involved in the performing arts for most of her life has been wonderfully rewarding. Arts are such an integral part of all our lives as is our environment which produces inspiration for artworks. Lois believes that helping to bring the arts to her community is now the way in which she can show her thanks for arts that have shaped her life.
Nancy Caiger
Scrutable, super-efficient Singapore-born Chinese. Lived in England 1981-1993 and in Hamilton since. Visual Artist - painter and collagist, turning collectables and cast-offs into artwork. Hamilton Arts Councilor for past three years, currently the keeper of its purse. Nancy has a passion for the visual and performing arts and is an advocate for more public art, improved facilities for the Arts and generally that the Arts becomes a fully integrated part of the Hamilton scene.
Pippa Russell
Pippa, is passionate about three things, the Arts, the people and the environment. A focused and action based individual she enjoys making things happen with the outcome being enjoyment.
Nick Clothier
Nick has been involved in the Arts in various guises for a long, long time. He is primarily involved in the musical and theatrical arts but dabbles in poetry, painting and making tiny sculptures. He is married and has one son. He looks forward to having a say in, and making a difference to, the Hamilton Arts scene.
Andrew Buchanan - Smart
Consistently held view that the 'cultural arts' are vital ingredients in sustaining the health of a community and add value and creates opportunities for the community. Since 1979 when moving to Hamilton involvement in the orchestral life scene was predominant. On becoming the music reviewer of the Waikato Times performing locally ceased. Present musical activities include adjudicating, lecturing and teaching. Andrew served on the HCAC during the 80's.
Scott Ratuki
Scott is an Associate at Tompkins Wake who specialises in Intellectual property law. Scott co-ordinates Legalised Art - a programme provided in conjunction with HCAC 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 endeavour.
Mason West
At the age of seven Mason was kidnapped by some circus freaks and was tortured, beaten and generally made fun of till finally after eight years he had perfected the art of showing off in front of people. He had almost recovered from the circus life style when he was voted on to the HCAC. Mason enjoys contemporary circus, clowning, pantomime, street theatre and funny stuff.
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.
Ai Ee Teo
Born in Malaysia, moved to New Zealand in 1985 and has lived in Hamilton since 1986. Married has three teenage daughters. No particular artistic talents but has been involved with schools and the Youth Orchestra for the past 10 years. Passionate about the development and training of young musicians.
Pam Roa
Pam is a born and bred Hamiltonian with a part time passion for a capella harmony singing. She believes that the best way a community can unite is through the cultural expression of its people - the more varied and obscure the better. Pam particularly loves public art and is a business owner who enjoys using her business skills to support excellent administration of the arts. She has been an enthusiastic member of the HCAC funding allocations committee for several years.
The HCAC currently employs three workers:
Arts Manager - Tracey Wood
Arts Advisor - Kat Cox
Arts Administrator - Adrienne Clothier
Our office is situated on Level 1 of the ArtsPost Building, 120 Victoria Street, and we are open every day from 9am to 5pm.
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