Christchurch-raised arts producer Craig Cooper has been appointed as the new Festival Director for the Christchurch Arts Festival.

The Christchurch Arts Festival Trust today named Mr Cooper (46) as Christchurch Arts Festival Director.

Christchurch-raised arts producer Craig Cooper has been appointed as the new Festival Director for the Christchurch Arts Festival.

The Christchurch Arts Festival Trust today named Mr Cooper (46) as Christchurch Arts Festival Director.

Trust Chair Lauren Semple said Mr Cooper impressed the appointment panel with his passion and enthusiasm along with his ideas for the next festival.

“We liked his vision for the future, building on what has been achieved in the last four years by Philip Tremewan and the team.

“Craig talks about the eyes of the world being on Christchurch as the city rebuilds and how the arts are leading some of the recovery.”

Past Festival Director Philip Tremewan will stay on as a consultant to ensure a smooth handover.

“Philip has done an outstanding job under very difficult circumstances to present the 2011 and 2013 festivals,” Ms Semple said. “His experience working in the constantly changing and challenging environment in Christchurch will be invaluable for the future.”

Born and raised in Christchurch, Mr Cooper said he was excited to be returning to his home city to lead the Festival.

“Part of the excitement for me is the prospect of working in the unique environment which Christchurch has become – it is a very different city to the one I grew up in.

Mr Cooper attended St Andrew’s College and began his arts career at Court Theatre working as education officer, then as producer of the Court Jesters. He worked at Sydney Opera House for a number of years and for the past six years he has held producing roles at The Edge, which runs Auckland’s major performing arts venues.

“I’m looking forward to bringing all the varied experiences I have had in Australia and in New Zealand back to Christchurch and I’m very excited about putting together the 2015 Festival.”

Mr Cooper takes up the Christchurch Arts Festival Director role from Monday 17 March.

Media release: Christchurch Arts Festival