The Wānaka Festival of Colour is the flagship arts event for the Southern Lakes region. Set against the autumn colours of the Upper Clutha Basin, the week-long festival offers a rich and diverse programme, celebrating the very best of the arts world.
Welcome to the Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust, home of the Wānaka Festival Of Colour and Aspiring Conversations – two premier arts and ideas festivals in Aotearoa New Zealand.
For twenty years, we have been showcasing extraordinary, established and emerging artists in Aotearoa New Zealand and from around the globe.
Our festivals inspire, excite, entertain and challenge through memorable performances, discussions and interactive events that engage and connect our community.
Our festivals collaborate with local organisations, schools, and community groups to ensure accessibility and inclusivity.
By engaging our community, we raise voices, celebrate diversity, and promote
a sense of belonging for all.
Join us at the next Wānaka Festival of Colour 2027 April 3 -11,
and Aspiring Conversations - Festival of Ideas & Kōrero 2026 March 27-29
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Our Festivals would not be possible without the ongoing support from Creative New Zealand, The Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust, Queenstown Lakes District Council; our naming rights sponsor, Milford Asset Management; and our many other funders, generous sponsors, patrons, benefactors, volunteers and staff who have contributed to the Festivals since their beginnings.
Sophie Kelly | Artistic Director
Laura Williamson | Acting Executive Director
Raewyn Murray | Head of Ticketing
Kelcey Radford | Event Manager
Ashlea Roughan | Venue Manager
Ruby Meekma | Design
Technical Support
Entertainment Solutions
Venue Managers and our wonderful Volunteers
Prue Wallis
Sir Sam Neill
Suzanne Ellison
Mark Verbiest
Fiona Rowley | Settlor
Catering and Bar
Federal Diner
Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust Board and Advisors
Kirsty Hazledine (Co-Chair)
Janice Hughes (Co-Chair)
Alistair King
Fiona McPhee
Hannah Acland
Trevor Crawford
Penny Deans
Nicola King
Annis Somerville
Russell Weaver
Chris Leighton
Dennis Schwarz (Technical)
The Wānaka Festival of Colour and Aspiring Conversations Festival of Ideas & kōrero are founded on the guiding principles of the Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust (SLAFT) as follows:
South Island's premier Arts Festival, enriching our Southern Lakes' communities through world-class arts, transformative experiences and ideas.
The Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust delivers diverse and captivating top-quality arts and ideas events that entertain, challenge, and celebrate our people, place and culture, fostering a deep sense of engagement and appreciation among our audiences.
WELLBEING
MANAAKITANGA
We connect our community through participation, volunteering and street events that promotes a community sense of pride and ownership of the Wānaka Festival of Colour.
We recognise the pivotal role the arts play in community wellbeing. By providing enriching and inspiring experiences, we contribute to the emotional, mental, and cultural wellbeing of our audiences.
INCLUSION
WHANAUNGATANGA
Year after year, our festivals strengthen inclusivity. We ensure the festival is accessible to all abilities and ages, represents tāngata whenua, and we bring together the diverse communities of Aotearoa.
By supporting tino rangatiratanga (self-determination), ōritetanga (equity) and celebrating unique perspectives, we foster an environment of connection and togetherness.
SUSTAINABILITY
KAITIAKITANGA
We secure financial support from individual donors, businesses, and government bodies through strong relationships, strategic marketing, and funding applications. We also receive immense community support from our community in the Central Otago/Southern Lakes region and beyond.
We're dedicated to environmental responsibility and are working on auditing our impact to meet Paris Agreement targets and zero waste. We work above best practice in the waste space and are proud to say that at our last festival in 2024, 85% of our waste was diverted from landfill.
#FESTIVALOFCOLOUR
#ASPIRING CONVERSATIONS