Supercity Implications for the Arts Sector - Your Views!

The arts community is greatly affected by any changes to local government. Arts are classified under ‘well-beings’, along with sports, social, environment and heritage. Councils are charged with administering arts-related funding, as well as employing arts coordinators for their areas. They give partial or full operational funding to arts centres and organisations; run initiatives such as Creative Communities Scheme; provide resources such as community facilities, halls, parks, etc which are used by the arts sector, often at very accessible rates. Councils also conduct important research into arts economy, employ consultants and project staff, and create events, commissions and opportunities for the arts. Therefore councils are a vital part of any regional arts infrastructure.

The new amalgamated Auckland City is a certainty. However, because the process of defining functions and relationships with its communities is ongoing there continues to be significant opportunity for us to canvas for a robust arts community in the city, and see a regional vision enacted.

It is vital that core values of the art sector are made known to the architects of the supercity governance structure, which will inform decision making, and ensure that the arts have a place they deserve in the supercity.

Up until now our regional needs for the arts sector have been met in various ways. Now with a unitary governing body, delivery of services and support to the art sector will change. There has been much discussion about regional arts policy strategy, which will of course be based on a vision for the city. In this case, it is important to build networks across the region now so that a truly representative arts policy is developed.

The Creative People’s Centre is keen to work with communities to ensure that as many voices, communities and needs are accommodated. We aim to inform people both about the repercussions for the arts sector, as well as the opportunities it will provide.

There really is a limited window - only 2 months at the most - for making your concerns and suggestions known. The third and final Bill will soon be open for submissions after which the important  functional features of the Supercity will be put in place.

We look forward to hearing your views, concerns and ideas.