Partner Jeremy Commons
Queer Places:
36 McFarlane Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
David Carson-Parker (September 23, 1932 - October 21, 2012) was a Wellington arts patron. Carson-Parker’s involvement with the Arts Foundation continued his long ‘career’ in the arts, which he conducted alongside his extensive business career. He was President of the New Zealand Society of Potters in the 1960s and went on to be involved across a number of disciplines. His positions have included President of the Craft Council, Chairman of the Printmakers Council, member of the Downstage Trust Board and Board of Directors of Downstage Theatre. He was a Council member and President of the Friends of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, founding Director and Chairman of the New Zealand Chamber Orchestra Trust and, until 1998, a Trustee of the New Zealand International Festival of the Arts. He was Chair of the New Zealand National Youth Choir and Deputy Chair of the Embassy Theatre Trust.
David made a significant contribution to the Victoria University MA in Creative Writing. He established and funded the David Carson-Parker Embassy Prize awarded to a student from the Scriptwriting stream of the MA in Creative Writing. He was a dedicated supporter of musical and literary activities and events associated with the University and through these activities was awarded a Hunter Fellowship from Victoria University.
David and his partner Jeremy Commons hosted many Trustee and Governors’ meetings, as well as the Arts Foundation’s Annual General Meeting at their home in Mt Victoria.
David Carson-Parker died suddenly on October 21, 2012, soon after attending the last performance of the Opera Company’s Bartered Bride.
My published books:
