Increased funding to arts sector in Budget welcome

Creative New Zealand welcomes increased funding to arts sector in Budget

Creative New Zealand welcomes Government's ongoing support for the arts and creative industries

The Government has consistently acknowledged the value of the arts and creative industries to New Zealand. Today's Budget announcement that Creative New Zealand will receive an additional $2.6 million (exc. GST) per year to its baseline funding over four years is further evidence of its ongoing support, says Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Elizabeth Kerr.

"We're delighted at this recognition," Miss Kerr says. "It means we will be able to maintain the additional support directed to the arts sector since the Cultural Recovery Package was announced three years ago."

Creative New Zealand supports 38 professional arts organisations on an annual or three-year basis. These include major organisations in the performing arts; key infrastructure organisations across literature, the visual arts, music, theatre and dance; and emerging companies and organisations.

"Along with our support for the professional arts infrastructure, we will continue to provide ongoing support for Mäori arts, regional development and community arts," Miss Kerr says. "We will also continue supporting innovative arts projects, which contribute to a vibrant creative sector and an environment that all New Zealanders can enjoy."

The total increased funding to Creative New Zealand's baseline funding is $11.6 million (inc. GST) over four years. The funding, along with the valuable recognition it provides, will help New Zealand attract and retain talented creative workers, Miss Kerr says.

New Zealand's creative sector is growing faster than the rest of the economy, contributing more than $3.5 billion to New Zealand's GDP every year and employing 50,000 New Zealanders.

Miss Kerr says that the arts are an essential part of the creative sector. "The imagination and flair of our artists provide the spark for so many of our creative industries, including film, design, fashion and publishing."

As an arts development organisation, Creative New Zealand will continue to develop its arts advocacy role and build partnerships with other agencies. It will also continue to facilitate programmes and initiatives in areas such as cultural tourism and arts employment, enabling artists to earn a living from their work.

"Through our partnerships, both with other government agencies and with the private sector, we can continue enhancing the capacity of the arts sector and its contribution to the economic, social and cultural fabric of New Zealand," Miss Kerr says.

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