New direction for Creative Tauranga

ON THE MOVE: From left, Millie Newitt, gallery curator; Jennifer Pearson, acting general manager; and Kalena Tane, front of house/CCS administrator. Photo/supplied

Creative Tauranga will move offices this month to a space in the Tauranga City Council arcade.

"Our lease was due to expire in January and the landlord needs to re-strengthen the building, so they have allowed us to move out earlier and we have been able to secure this space with council," says Jennifer Pearson, acting general manager.

"The new location will enable us to continue to strengthen the Western Bay of Plenty's thriving creative sector, develop a new community gallery and also use the arcade space for arts activities."

A pop-up exhibition is planned for the space over December and the new gallery will open officially at the end of January. Maori wardens and community policing use this space and will soon be housed in another part of council buildings.

Creative Tauranga trustees appointed Jennifer Pearson the acting general manager to guide the organisation through moving and a strategic review.

"We're looking to appoint a new general manager in the new year once the 360 review is completed and the direction for the organisation is clear," says acting chair Marcus Wilkins.

"Jennifer has worked with Creative Tauranga over the Hairy Maclary project, so has a good knowledge of how the organisation works."

Tracey Rudduck-Gudsell recently left the Creative Tauranga chief executive role for a position at Heartland Bank.