Arts Funding Cuts Leave NZ Sector at Risk of Becoming Dull and Poorer
New Zealand's arts sector is facing significant funding challenges, with the recent announcement of Creative New Zealand's Arts Organisations and Groups Fund granting only NZ$104 million over two to three years to 94 applicants. This represents almost half of the NZ$201 million requested.
The fund replaced the previous Tōtara and Kahikatea programs, which had limited applications to invited organisations. The new fund allowed any group to apply for substantial multi-year funding, but many groups received less funding than under the previous program.
For example, youth theatre company Massive saw an almost 60% reduction in funding. Only 10% of the funding round went to groups based in the South Island/Te Waipounamu, and some established organisations missed out completely.
The arts sector is not just about providing a social benefit; it also generates significant economic benefits. Research found that a NZ$75.5 million government investment in the live performance sector generated a NZ$209 million tax take, with every dollar invested returning NZ$3.20 to the community.
Despite this, the arts sector remains a perennial poor cousin when it comes to state spending. The current government has introduced Amplify: A Creative and Cultural Strategy for New Zealand, which aims to grow arts exports and tourism, but critics argue that the sector is being expected to do more with less.