Megan Peacock-Coyle, manager of Toitoi Arts and Events Centre (HB Opera House) has recently been recognised by two new appointments.
The first is onto Creative New Zealand’s advisory board (Te Rōpū Mana Toi) alongside other arts leaders at the top of their fields in Aotearoa.
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.
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.
Ms Peacock-Coyle’s work leading to the development of Hastings District Council’s Arts, Culture and Events Recovery Plan has been recognised by CNZ 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.
Here at home, 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’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.”
Photo/Supplied: The Creative New Zealand Te Rōpū Mana Toi advisory board. Our Megan Peacock-Coyle, at left, front row