Arts & Culture Strategic Action Plan gets sign-off

Making arts and culture part of the everyday lives of Aucklanders is one step closer today after Auckland Council adopted the Arts and Culture Strategic Action Plan (ACSAP).

The plan recognises the importance of arts and culture in the social, cultural and economic life of Auckland – especially in delivering benefits such as connecting people and communities, making the city a more vibrant place to live and visit.

A 2014 Creative New Zealand report found 88 per cent of Aucklanders know being connected to the arts is good for you.

Eighty six per cent agree that the arts help to improve society and 90 per cent agree that they learn about different cultures through the arts.

The results are similar to engagement surveys on the ACSAP, which show Aucklanders consider arts and culture as fundamental to a healthy society and high quality of life.

Arts, Culture & Events committee chair Cr Alf Filipaina says the plan will help council, and the arts & culture sector, focus on projects that will make the most impact.

“It is all part of our wider strategy - to make Auckland the world’s most liveable city. It is heartening to see the arts & culture community, agencies and groups across the region putting up their hand to deliver on the plan.”

The council will work closely with the creative community and other partners to deliver on the plan’s six strategic goals, including:

• Increasing participation in arts and culture for all Aucklanders,

• Valuing and growing investment in arts and culture,

• Ensuring the sector has infrastructure to meet Auckland’s growing, diverse needs,

• Enhancing our places through arts and culture,

• Celebrating Auckland’s unique cultural identity and,

• Building a robust and flourishing creative economy.

ACSAP acknowledges Auckland’s changing ethnic diversity, and the importance of having an inclusive and lively arts & culture sector that caters to all Aucklanders.

The Independent Māori Statutory Board chief executive Brandi Hudson says supporting Māori arts and culture adds value to the economy and Auckland as a whole, and that the board looks forward to the implementation of the plan.

“This plan recognises our bicultural status and the rightful place of Māori as indigenous people, within a multicultural society.”

The plan is a region-wide initiative which was developed after extensive research and consultation with key stakeholders in the Auckland arts and culture sector, as well as the wider public.

The final plan will be published and launched in November this year.

ENDS

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