Insight into Asian Aucklanders’ attitudes to arts

Embargoed: 4pm, Wednesday 9 May 2007

Insight into Asian Aucklanders’ attitudes towards the arts

A research study being launched today offers a valuable insight into the attitudes of Auckland’s Asian communities towards the arts in New Zealand.

The qualitative research study, Asian Aucklanders and the Arts, was jointly commissioned by Auckland City Council, the ASB Community Trust and Creative New Zealand to explore Asian Aucklanders’ attitudes towards, attendance at and participation in the arts.

Councillor Penny Sefuiva, Chairperson of Auckland City Council’s Art, Culture and Recreation Committee said the research has shown that there is a desire amongst Asian Aucklanders to develop more cross-cultural connections.

"This research supports our goal to use the arts as a tool to foster meaningful interactions across cultures. It is clear that the range of events the Council supports help bring different communities together to share cultures and promote greater understanding,” Penny Sefuiva said.

ASB Community Trust Chief Executive Jenny Gill said the research project had highlighted the need to raise their profile amongst Auckland’s Asian communities.

"The research findings will help us to raise awareness of the funding available from the ASB Community Trust for our city’s diverse communities," Jenny Gill said.

Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright said a key priority for Creative New Zealand was working with communities throughout the country to enhance their engagement with the arts, both as participants and audiences.

“This study is full of stories and insights that will improve our understanding of these communities and start us really thinking about how we might best develop opportunities in the arts for Asian New Zealanders,” Stephen Wainwright said.

Research company Colmar Brunton conducted interviews with Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Indian families, community leaders and artists. This was a qualitative study to explore the range of perceptions, experiences, and attitudes held towards the arts.

Asian Aucklanders and the Arts is available online at www.creativenz.govt.nz

ENDS

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