Creative ideas for Auckland
We’ve got talent! The Auckland creative sector voices its priorities for Auckland Council.
In a survey recently conducted by The Big Idea for council agency Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), we asked Auckland's creative community for their feedback and ideas on how to make Auckland a world-class creative city. The responses came in thick and fast, with more than 100 responses in just two weeks, spanning creative fields of all shapes and sizes.
When asked what you thought Council’s top priority to move ahead with supporting our sector should be, many of you talked about how important it is that we showcase the talent within our sector. This means highlighting the international standard and level of excellence that Auckland based practitioners have reached in their work and creative projects. You also wanted to see improvements in how Council engaged with the sector, asking for more consultation and clearer communication.
Showcasing and increasing exposure in the sector ties in closely with feedback you gave us around tourism in the city, especially where major events like the Rugby World Cup are concerned. You raised a number of issues for Council around this - saying how hard you had found it to connect into support to promote your organisation or your art form to visitors. Some of you were struggling to see where cultural and creative activities even fitted into sporting events like these, indicating that Council needs to articulate opportunities related to these kinds of events much better.
Throughout the survey you commented on the need to improve connectivity in all areas of our sector. You pointed out many barriers to doing this - especially the spread of communities across the large region that we have, as well as the variety of cultures and interests that exist within it. You encouraged Council not to forget or sideline smaller, more remote communities post the transition to a regional body.
There was a lack of response to the survey from communities in South Auckland and from diverse ethnic cultures. The absence of their responses spoke to the need to engage these voices more effectively as we build the cultural life of our city in partnership with Council.
On the other hand, many of you were excited about the diversity within our sector and our city, and thought that we should celebrate it and harness it when creating an identity for our city.
Your answers embodied the strength of diversity - a wealth of ideas were sent to us describing a myriad of different ways to tap into Auckland’s creative potential - providing Council with a deep well of creative solutions to Auckland’s cultural conundrums.
