Council Arts & Culture Manager appointed to national advisory board
Local arts manager and advocate Megan Peacock-Coyle has had a busy start to the year.
Not only has she been appointed to a new role as Hastings District Council’s Arts & Culture Manager, but she was also shoulder-tapped to join an expert Creative New Zealand advisory board – Te Rōpū Mana Toi - alongside other arts leaders at the top of their fields.
Te Rōpū Mana Toi was created to inform and advance Creative New Zealand arts advocacy work, with members selected for their proven track record of advocating for arts and culture across a wide range of artforms and kaupapa.
Ms Peacock-Coyle’s peers in the advisory group include Elise Sterback (Trustee, Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi; strategist, arts advocate, PhD candidate), Gretchen La Roche (CEO, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra), Jeremy Mayall (CEO, Creative Waikato; composer), Karl Chitham (Director, The Dowse), Kim Morton (Director, Ōtautahi Creative Spaces), Pati Umaga (Musician and disability advocate), Rosabel Tan (Director, Satellites; freelance writer, strategist and producer), Tānemahuta Gray (Kahukura, Taki Rua) and Dolina Wehipeihana (Kaiārahi Māori, PANNZ; General Manager, Kia Mau Festival; Chair, Atamira Dance Company).
Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright says CNZ’s advocacy work is about making the case for the value of the arts, so that all New Zealanders can experience the benefits of engaging in creative activity.
“And no-one makes that case better than our arts community. We’re thrilled to be working alongside this dedicated group of advocates who can powerfully articulate the value of the arts, bring a range of sector perspectives to our work, and advance advocacy that will empower the arts community and improve the lives of New Zealanders.”
Ms Peacock-Coyle’s work leading the development of Hastings District Council’s Arts, Culture & Events Recovery Plan has been recognised by Creative New Zealand as a good example of arts advocacy creating meaningful community outcomes.
“It’s great to have Megan as part of this mahi because she brings great experience around connecting the arts to community, and understands how the arts contribute to community wellbeing,” Mr Wainwright says.
In addition to being appointed to Te Rōpū Mana Toi, Ms Peacock-Coyle has also been appointed Arts & Culture Manager by Hastings District Council. In her new role, Ms Peacock-Coyle oversees Hastings City Art Gallery, alongside Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre, as well as informing other arts and cultural activities undertaken by Council.
Council chief executive Nigel Bickle says Hastings is lucky to have the depth and breadth of expertise that Ms Peacock-Coyle brings to local projects.
“We are very fortunate to have Megan’s wealth of knowledge and passion informing our arts and cultural activities here in Heretaunga,” he says.
“We’ve already seen what she’s capable of achieving, through Toitoi and the Arts, Culture & Events Recovery Plan, in spite of very challenging circumstances created by Covid-19. We look forward to seeing how our local arts industry, and our wider community, are strengthened by her strategic thinking and collaborative approach as she continues her mahi nurturing and growing the arts here.”
