About HCAC
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 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.
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:
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 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.
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.
Dan Howard 
Daniel Howard is a local Sound Engineer who has spent the last 15 years or so involved with all kinds of music in Hamilton, from Choirs to Rock'n'Roll to Hip Hop. Along the way he's spent time with The Hamilton Community Arts Council, student radio, and running a sound company and recording studio.
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.
Dr. Suzette Major
If all the world’s a stage, best we learn how to act. As an academic, businesswoman and passionate advocate for the arts, Suzette helps artists develop business skills so they can act professionally, creatively and successfully in the New Zealand creative industries.
Cr Pippa Mahood
I have been an enthusiastic observer and an occasional collector of artistic pieces for many years.
As a City Councillor for many years, I have always been keen to see a thriving Arts Community prospering in Hamilton, whether through Arts, Culture, Music or Theatre. Being a member of the HCAC keeps me in touch with the things that the community value and need.
Meg Davies
Megan Davies is Hamilton city's foremost producer of badges, managing to eke out a living through a robust understanding of post modern theory and a healthy sense of irony. Skilled in all the feminine arts, those who sup at her table or benefit from the Davies dexterity with needle and thread are indeed privileged. A noted wit, gossip, and poet, she seeks to serve, to entertain, and to generally bedazzle through sheer expression of personality.
Nicolas Wells
Emma Fletcher
Bella Scott
Andrew Buchanan-Smart
The HCAC currently employs two staff:
Tracey Wood - Arts Manager
Adrienne Clothier - Arts Administrator
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