There are various ways that Council is currently involved in the arts, culture and heritage activities throughout the district. Below are some examples;

The Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum and Te Whare Whakatere are directly funded by Council. The Art Gallery and Museum staff are custodians to a five culturally significant collections including the Civic Art Collection and the Ashburton Art Gallery Inc art collection.

In the heritage sector, Council maintains the Ng King Bros. Chinese Market Garden Settlement, a Historic Place Category 2 site, looks after the Ashburton Museum and Historical Society’s Community archives and objects and provides historical interpretation signage throughout the wider district.

With Jazz on the Lawn, held last March, the Events team organised a first musical event which is intended to become an annual activity, an addition to the many creative and educational activities facilitated in both the library, art gallery and museum.