Tauranga Arts Festival Trust Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Gabrielle Vincent as its first Artistic Director – and she is already busy programming for the 2021 festival.

“We haven’t had anyone perform this role before,” Trust chair Kathryn Lellman says, “but we haven’t had a year like this before either.

“Gabrielle brings a wealth of experience in programming performing arts of all kinds from all around the country. We’re excited by her ideas and vision.”

Gabrielle, who is married with an 18-month-old daughter, is based in Auckland and will make monthly visits to Tauranga before moving here in the lead-up to the 2021 Festival, which takes place from October 21-31.

“This year has been all about Aotearoa,” Gabrielle says, “and I have been working closely with New Zealand artists, as well as listening to and trying to learn more about the local communities of Tauranga Moana.”

She says that while not having access to overseas performers is a challenge, it’s also an opportunity to showcase new work by New Zealanders, work that has had time to develop to its full potential during 2020.

Gabrielle, who for 6 years programmed for Auckland’s multi-use Basement Theatre, renowned for supporting new work, is part of a Tauranga Arts Festival programming committee alongside former Festival directors Jo Bond and Philip Tremewan.