Embracing Creativity – Introducing Toi Manawa by Emma Featherstone, Director of Music, Head of Department of Performing Arts, Head of Culture

Excitement buzzes in the air as we unveil the newest gift in our community’s crown – Toi Manawa, the King’s College Music and Performing Arts Centre. With a name meaning ‘The heart of the arts’, this isn’t just another building; it’s a vibrant hub pulsating with creative energy, poised to enrich our lives in countless ways. This creativeness has been on show with the recent electrifying performance of Chicago by our very own Glee Club, our Senior and Junior Productions, Kapa Haka group and Pasifica performers, just for starters. It’s not just about the spectacle, it’s also about the shared journey of exploration, expression and growth that unites us all.

With this magnificent space now at our disposal, the possibilities stretch out before us. From captivating theatrical productions to soul-stirring musical performances, dance and drama creations and choral and instrumental shows, Toi Manawa is a playground for the imagination, inviting us to unleash our creativity and embrace our passions.

The real magic is that it’s not just for us within the College walls. It is also a haven for our entire community, a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to celebrate music and the Performing Arts in all their splendour. In a world often characterised by screens and virtual connections, the importance of physical spaces where we can gather, interact and be inspired cannot be overstated. Toi Manawa serves as a beacon of connection, reminding us of the joy and fulfilment that come from sharing experiences with others.

So, as we embark on this new chapter, we are excited to revel in the beauty of human creativity and the power of community to uplift and inspire us all. The centre includes flexible break-out spaces with each room linking to the other virtually for collaborative teaching and recording opportunities, a fully equipped dance studio, a state-of-the-art orchestral room, a rock room and lesson rooms built to spec making it a space for learning across all disciplines.

We are thrilled to open Toi Manawa – the King’s College Music and Performing Arts Centre, where creativity knows no bounds and the spirit of community reigns supreme.