Richard Aindow: Courting the arts in Christchurch
Music, theatre, dance and visual art have all played a significant role in Richard Aindow’s life. The incoming chief executive of The Court Theatre, Richard explains to Metropol writer Lynda Papesch how culture has shaped his life and career.
On 23 June 2025, Richard will take over the reins of The Court Theatre from incumbent Gretchen La Roche. The current Executive Director of SCAPE Public Art, he brings a wealth of experience, with more than a decade leading arts organisations including Aotearoa’s longest running contemporary dance company, Footnote New Zealand Dance. Richard’s path to the top started at an early age. “I played a lot of music when I was young, sang in choirs, and was in a few school productions,” he recalls.
British-born, he’s lived in New Zealand for more than two decades, working with SCAPE for the last two years. “It has been a huge privilege to lead SCAPE Public Art, and I am proud of how much the team is now delivering for the community,” he says. When he heard about The Court’s chief executive position, he knew he had to apply. “The opportunity to lead this true taonga of the arts was an unmissable one, especially at this incredibly important time as the community is welcomed into its new home.”
Stunning new spaces
Having toured the new theatre spaces late in 2024, Richard says it was clear then that the new theatre would be an incredible place for the performing arts and wider community, and something to be rightly proud of. “I also felt something familiar from my many years in the performing arts. Even with contractors working around us, the sense of endless possibilities and the magic that make theatres such special places was already in the air. I can’t wait to get started.”
Richard’s career in the arts is incredibly diverse yet connected by an entrepreneurial spirit. He managed, then edited Wellington’s FishHead magazine, which had significant arts coverage, and is one of the directors of arts-led tech company PickPath. His work as General Manager of Footnote, then with SCAPE Public Art has shown him adept at garnering support and working with communities.
He’s held governance roles within non-profit organisations in public radio and community services, and works as an arts assessor.
Married to Caroline, who grew up in mid-Canterbury, their two young children keep him busy inside and outside of the arts. “I love exploring with my family, sport when I can fit it in, and, of course, the arts.” Disc golf, cycling, and football are also among his hobbies, with Richard admitting to being a “long-suffering 5th generation Everton supporter”.
Although he is sad to leave the SCAPE team, he’s keen to see the organisation’s new permanent artworks arriving across Christchurch and Canterbury, adding to the 19 legacy works currently in public space. “I also look forward to sharing the excitement of the SCAPE Public Art Season 2025 as a passionate observer.”
Looking forward
Richard is full of enthusiasm to help bring the new Court Theatre to life. “I know that there is an incredible team, so many spaces and so much potential, and an exciting new strategic plan to deliver,” he shares. “The Court has an exciting future, reaching out into the community from the heart of the city in its first ever purpose-built home. There’s lots to do, and I am thrilled to be able to play a part.”
He’s also determined to help raise awareness of what the arts contribute to society. “Deep research has been carried out into the wellbeing benefits of the arts, and that is well documented. What is less spoken about are the economic benefits, with 4.3% of GDP now coming from the arts and creative sector.”
In terms of social and economic outcomes, that is an area where the new theatre will also play a vital role. Its central location will bring people into the city, entertain them, and also benefit local shops, hospitality and accommodation businesses. There is also the team themselves: “As New Zealand’s largest theatre company this isn’t just a change of address. Right in the centre of the city there will be incredible people working in everything from directing to costuming, set design and construction to lighting and sound design, actors, educators and all the people who support, tell the story of The Court, and all who help bring those wonderful productions to life. What an amazing opportunity.”
The Court Theatre’s official opening in its new location in the Christchurch Performing Arts Precinct is scheduled for Friday 2nd May, 2025. The new building, designed by Athfield Architects and UK-based Haworth Tompkins, is located on the corner of Colombo and Gloucester streets.
