We are rebranding:
Third Culture Foundation
Truth. Excellence. Legacy.
The Third Culture Foundation is a charitable trust dedicated to advancing culture through truth-seeking, artistic excellence, and the preservation of legacy.
In a world where culture can feel rootless, performative, or politicised, we exist to protect what matters, nurture what is beautiful, and build what will last.
We support creatives and communities who refuse to choose between heritage and innovation — who honour where they’ve come from while boldly shaping what comes next.
Our Mission:
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Seek truth over trend.
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Uphold excellence over spectacle.
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Preserve heritage and history, not as relics, but as foundations for renewal.
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Create space for bold new voices grounded in responsibility, beauty, and purpose.
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Empower the next generation to become custodians of culture.
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About Us / Our Story
The Third Culture Foundation was born out of the work of CRAFT Management Charitable Trust, a grassroots organisation that nurtured creative projects and community initiatives across Aotearoa. As our vision grew, so did our need for a name that truly reflected who we are becoming. The Third Culture Foundation is that next chapter.
We exist to protect, nurture, and renew culture in a world that often feels fragmented and rootless. Where others see division, we see an opportunity to build bridges. Where culture risks being reduced to trend or spectacle, we seek truth, excellence, and legacy.
Our work empowers artists and communities to honour their heritage while boldly innovating for the future. By supporting youth, creatives, and cross-cultural projects, we aim to cultivate spaces where identity is celebrated, voices are amplified, and new stories can take root.
The Foundation is more than a charity — it is a movement of people committed to preserving what is beautiful, fostering what is excellent, and building cultural legacies that last.
Our Work / What We Do
The Third Culture Foundation exists to empower creativity, bridge cultures, and build legacy. We do this through a range of initiatives that give artists and communities platforms to create, perform, and connect.
Third Culture Film Festival
Our flagship annual event brings together filmmakers from around the world to share stories that challenge, inspire, and unite. From youth competitions to international premieres, TCFF is a platform for diverse voices to shine on the global stage.
TCFF Encore Series
Because great films deserve more than one screening, the Encore Series takes festival highlights back into the community. From schools to cultural centres, these screenings give more people access to world-class stories and spark conversation year-round.
Art in Motion
A bold fusion of fashion, film, and performance, Art in Motion showcases creativity in its most vibrant forms. From runway shows to live art experiences, AIM celebrates innovation while supporting emerging designers and performers.
Creative Minds Programme
A youth-focused initiative offering mentorship, workshops, and training for the next generation of artists and storytellers. Creative Minds helps young people build confidence, develop skills, and pursue careers in the creative industries.
Kaitiaki Initiative
Our volunteer programme that upskills and empowers people to host, manage, and deliver cultural events. By training volunteers in hospitality, production, and leadership, the Kaitiaki Initiative invests in those who will safeguard and carry culture forward.
Third Culture Management
A new branch dedicated to nurturing and representing talent across the arts. From performers and influencers to creative professionals, Third Culture Management provides holistic care and career pathways for the voices shaping tomorrow’s culture.
Community & Cross-Cultural Partnerships
We partner with schools, churches, community groups, and international networks to run workshops, talks, and creative exchanges. These collaborations strengthen local connections while opening global doors, ensuring that our work is rooted in community yet reaches beyond borders.
TCFF Labs
TCFF Labs — Learn. Make. Premiere.Hands-on, mentored programmes that take you from first idea to a screen-ready film. Built by the team behind the Third Culture Film Festival (TCFF), Labs run year-round and culminate in public showcases and festival opportunities.
TCFF Labs is our year-round training and production hub. We help young creatives and emerging filmmakers turn ideas into finished work—then platform that work at TCFF in March and through our Encore screenings across the Bay of Plenty and beyond.
For ages 14–24 (youth/tertiary) + motivated first-time filmmakers of any age via selected streams.
They make short intensives, multi-week labs, and industry sessions that stack into real outcomes: scripts, shorts, reels, credits—and screenings.
Education
2024 - Present
Third Culture Film Festival
Our flagship annual event brings together filmmakers from around the world to share stories that challenge, inspire, and unite. From youth competitions to international premieres, TCFF is a platform for diverse voices to shine on the global stage.
The festival is more than a week of film screenings — it is a multidisciplinary celebration of culture. Alongside world-class cinema, TCFF hosts fashion shows, art exhibitions, live music, and panel discussions that spark debate and dialogue. These events create space to showcase the Foundation’s year-round work and give artists from every discipline a platform to connect with audiences and each other.
2025 - Present
TCFF Encore Series
Because great films deserve more than one screening, the Encore Series takes festival highlights back into the community. From schools to cultural centres, these screenings give more people access to world-class stories and spark conversation year-round.
2025 - Present
Art in Motion
A bold fusion of fashion, film, and performance, Art in Motion showcases creativity in its most vibrant forms. From runway shows to live art experiences, AIM celebrates innovation while supporting emerging designers and performers.
2024 - Present
Creative Minds Programme
A youth-focused initiative offering mentorship, workshops, and training for the next generation of artists and storytellers. Creative Minds helps young people build confidence, develop skills, and pursue careers in the creative industries.
2025 - Present
Kaitiaki Initiative
A youth-focused initiative offering mentorship, workshops, and training for the next generation of artists and storytellers. Creative Minds helps young people build confidence, develop skills, and pursue careers in the creative industries.
2025 - Present
Third Culture Management
A new branch dedicated to nurturing and representing talent across the arts. From performers and influencers to creative professionals, Third Culture Management provides holistic care and career pathways for the voices shaping tomorrow’s culture.
2025 - Present
Community & Cross-Cultural Partnerships
We partner with schools, churches, community groups, and international networks to run workshops, talks, and creative exchanges. These collaborations strengthen local connections while opening global doors, ensuring that our work is rooted in community yet reaches beyond borders.
2025 - Present
TCFF Talks
2025 - Present
TCFF Labs
TCFF Labs — Learn. Make. Premiere.
Hands-on, mentored programmes that take you from first idea to a screen-ready film. Built by the team behind the Third Culture Film Festival (TCFF), Labs run year-round and culminate in public showcases and festival opportunities.
Our year-round training and production hub. We help young creatives and emerging filmmakers turn ideas into finished work—then platform that work at TCFF in March and through our Encore screenings across the Bay of Plenty and beyond.
For ages 14–24 (youth/tertiary) + motivated first-time filmmakers of any age via selected streams. Short intensives, multi-week labs, and industry sessions that stack into real outcomes: scripts, shorts, reels, credits—and screenings.
Our Impact
The Third Culture Foundation is committed to creating real change in the lives of artists, youth, and communities. Our work is measured not only in numbers, but in stories of transformation.
By the Numbers
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200+ films screened at the Third Culture Film Festival since relaunch.
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4500+ hours of Volunteer Hours committed in the 2025
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100+ Bay of Plenty Youth engaged through various initiatives
Stories of Growth
Kade’s Story
When Kade first joined us, she was shy and unsure of her voice.
Through the Festival and Encore screenings, as well as her first two fashion shows with
Art in Motion, she grew in confidence, found a supportive community, and is now pursuing a career in the arts. Her journey reflects the very heart of what we do: empowering young people to step boldly into their creative potential.
Youth Filmmaker
"Being part of TCFF showed me that my story matters. I’ve never felt so encouraged to keep creating.”
Community Artist
“TCFF gave me a stage to share my culture with pride, and an audience ready to listen.”
Lisa Driver, MI
“Through the Kaitiaki programme, I gained skills that helped me step into leadership, not just in events but in my everyday life.”
Get Involved
The Third Culture Foundation thrives because of the people who believe in our mission. Whether you’re an individual, business, or community group, there are many ways to join us in advancing culture through truth, excellence, and legacy.
💝 Donate
Your contribution helps us fund youth mentorship, cultural programmes, and world-class events. Every donation—big or small—directly empowers the next generation of creatives.
🤝 Sponsor / Partner
We work alongside businesses, trusts, and community organisations to deliver projects that make a difference. By partnering with us, you not only support the arts but also invest in innovation, education, and cultural renewal.
🛡️ Volunteer
Through our Kaitiaki Initiative, volunteers gain hands-on experience in hosting, leadership, and event management. Join our team and help us create unforgettable cultural experiences while developing skills that last a lifetime.
✉️ Join Our Mailing List
Stay connected with our latest news, events, and opportunities. Be the first to hear about screenings, workshops, and ways to be part of the movement.
Meet The Team
Board of Trustees
“The Foundation is governed by an experienced Board of Trustees who ensure strong governance and accountability. Full trustee details are available on request.”
