Coordinator
Rebekah de Jong is the arts coordinator employed by CODAT to follow through with the objectives outlined in The Central Otago Arts Strategy. Her role is divided between coordinating and facilitating projects and events designed to fulfill Arts Strategy objectives and communicating and networking with artists, art groups, and the wider community of Central Otago to work toward better representation of the arts and greater opportunities for artists in the region.
Rebekah de Jong
Rebekah has cultivated a lifelong passion for the arts, exploring music, dance, writing, and the visual arts from an early age. She completed a BA at the University of Otago, majoring in English and Art History, where she developed a strong foundation in cultural analysis, creative practice, and the role of the arts in shaping community identity.
Since relocating to Central Otago in 2010, Rebekah has built a varied career across hospitality, event management, media, and, more recently, the museum sector. Her work in these areas has strengthened her skills in storytelling, cultural preservation, and public engagement, giving her a practical understanding of how creativity and community intersect.
This broad experience supports her role as Coordinator for the Central Otago District Arts Trust. Rebekah has helped guide several public art projects from early planning through to completion, working alongside artists, funders, community groups, and local authorities. Her background in event management contributes to the smooth delivery of the Trust’s programmes and ensures they remain welcoming, well-organised, and community-focused.
Rebekah enjoys the dynamic nature of her work and is committed to making the arts a visible and valued part of everyday life in Central Otago. She believes creativity plays an important role in wellbeing and connection, and she is dedicated to supporting opportunities that help the arts continue to grow across the district.