Tracey Rudduck-Gudsell took over the reigns as Chief Executive in June 2004 and one of her first tasks was the rebranding of the Tauranga Community Arts Council Incorporated - to Creative Tauranga. She is extremely passionate and heavily committed to her role in leading Creative Tauranga in supporting and nurturing the arts and cultural sector of this community - now and into the future.
Tracey has had a wide and varied 32 year career, having lived 7 of those years in the UK and 20 in Tauranga. Prior to joining Creative Tauranga Tracey had her own business and her years of experience cover events management, team building, public relations, marketing and networking.
Member of the renowned Tarnished Frocks and Diva's team, Denny Spee has joined the Creative Tauranga team as the 'Creative Connector' - putting the pro in promotions. In charge of marketing, promoting and distributing Creative Beat, Denny has an advertising package to suit all budgets.
Denny's loves are music, dance, theatre, her seven mokopuna and her husband... especially when he does the dishes! From a family of singers and entertainers, Denny spent ten years as a dance instructor at her very own dance school based in the heart of Mount Maunganui.
For all advertising enquires and questions about our magazine 'Creative Beat' give Denny a call because she would love to help you in anyway she can.
Deborah Howe is our Creative Concierge and is the first point of contact at Creative Tauranga. As the receptionist she offers administrative support for our organisation, with a particular focus on visitor enquiries. Her warm smile and friendly nature welcomes every visitor and coupled with her enthusiasm to assist you with your enquiries, she will endeavor to point you in the right direction.
Deborah also assists with advertising in our Creativebeat magazine, local newspapers and radio and your needs for art exhibitions, entertainment and events
Gallery Curator and Arts Advisor, Angela McKenzie, joined the Creative Tauranga team in November 2011.
As a practicing artist Angela is a valuable member of the team as she has been involved in many aspects of the arts industry and has exhibited locally and nationally. She has a solid understanding of the needs of artists and is able to offer advice, assistance and support, especially for emerging artists.
In 2007 Angela began a new phase of her arts career by studying for a Diploma in Visual Art with the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and on completion was presented the Top Student Award for Art Excellence. In 2010 she went on to complete an Advanced Diploma in Visual Art with Waiariki Institute of Technology and in 2011 achieved her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with Auckland’s Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design.
She is available Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Creative Tauranga and can be contacted via email and phone.
Hope Kerr-Bell finished her Bachelor of Media Arts, majoring in visual arts at Wintec in 2011. She joined the team at Creative Tauranga for her internship programme and the rest is history. Hope has a passion for the arts and inviting people to embrace creativity and culture.
“ ‘Creatives’ inspire me everyday, and I love being a part of such a vibrant, exciting and ever-changing industry”.
As 'Creative Coordinator' Hope is responsible for maintaining networks with the various creative and cultural communities in Tauranga Moana, also working the website and social media. She assists with project development, event support, funding, and various administrative roles. If you want to plan a function at Creative Tauranga, Hope is here to help.