Creative Capital Arts Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of our new Festival Director for CubaDupa 2025. As we prepare for another exciting edition of the street festival, we are thrilled to welcome our first female director, Bianca Bailey, to lead our festival into its next chapter of vibrancy, community, and celebration.
Bianca brings a wealth of knowledge to the role, having been a part of the CubaDupa team since 2020, with a deep passion for the arts and the Cuba Street community. With her dynamic style and innovative approach, we are confident that she will continue to elevate CubaDupa as a cornerstone of Wellington’s vibrant cultural arts landscape.
Bianca has an extensive background in the arts and event management, having previously held key roles at Stroma, Performance Arcade, Eyegum Music Collective & Ignite Pōneke. We are particularly proud to note that she comes from within our own organisation, exemplifying our commitment to supporting and elevating practitioners who have worked with us before. Meanwhile, she also fosters her own music career with projects such as Wiri Donna, F.A.I.R.Y & Lilith. She has been instrumental in fostering community engagement, curating diverse artistic programs, and driving audience growth. Her dedication to inclusivity and sustainability aligns perfectly with the values of Creative Capital Arts Trust and CubaDupa.
In her own words, Bianca shared, “I am incredibly honoured to join the team at CubaDupa and to be part of such a unique and beloved festival. I look forward to working with the talented staff, artists, vendors, business owners and volunteers to create unforgettable experiences that reflect the spirit and diversity of Pōneke. My goal is to build on the festival’s strong foundation and to explore new creative possibilities that will resonate with our community and beyond.”
CubaDupa has become a highlight of Wellington’s event calendar, drawing thousands of visitors each year to experience an eclectic mix of music, dance, street theatre, and visual arts in the heart of the city. As we embark on this new chapter under Bianca’s leadership, we are excited about the opportunities to create and expand the festival’s reach while staying true to its roots as a celebration of creativity and community.
Creative Capital Arts Trust extends its gratitude to our outgoing Festival Director, Drew James, for his dedication and contributions to CubaDupa over the past decade. He has been instrumental in shaping the festival’s success and leaving a lasting impact on our community.
We invite everyone to join us in welcoming Bianca Bailey to the CubaDupa family. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as we prepare for another extraordinary festival.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Catarina Gutierrez, Marketing Director, Creative Capital Arts Trust 022 154 5049
Let’s make the next CubaDupa the most memorable one yet!
Thank you for your ongoing support of Creative Capital Arts Trust and CubaDupa. We look forward to seeing you at the festival!
About CCAT (Creative Capital Arts Trust). Creative Capital Arts Trust is a leading arts organisation in Aotearoa New Zealand that activates artists, practitioners, partners, and audiences across Pōneke through delivering iconic events. Our flagship festivals, NZ Fringe Festival and CubaDupa, embodies our commitment to celebrating creativity in all its forms and bringing people together in the heart of the city.
