Toi o Taraika Arts Wellington would like to share the results of our Four and Final State of the Arts survey, undertaken in June-July 2022.
We would like to acknowledge the participation of everyone in the sector who took the time to contribute to each of the surveys over the last twelve months. The response has been phenomenal and that is reflected in the number of participants. The last twelve months have been incredibly challenging for the sector.
A range of issues were identified by respondents that they would like to raise with the Minister. These are indicative of the need for a national arts strategy to help create systems change and sustainability for the sector.
The overarching theme that has been highlighted through the surveys is the need for more robust and predictable investment in the arts sector. The current funding models do not lend themselves to creating sustainable models of practice. There is a need for more backbone support and infrastructure to support the sector and practitioners. Priority needs to be given to supporting creative freelancers and the independent arts sector. It is clear throughout the reports that these practitioners have been deeply affected both by long-standing issues in the sector around issues such as wellbeing and income insecurity, as well as the impacts of Covid-19 since 2020.
It was positive to see in this survey respondents’ perception is that audience appetite for creative work appears to be slowly returning. Respondents see a continuing need for a cultural shift to increase recognition of the value of the arts generally, and the contribution of the sector to community health, wellbeing and cohesion.
An important note on the use of the language of ‘creative’ in the description of ‘creative work’. This term is meant to encompass the wide range of roles that exist within the arts, culture, heritage and creative industries - across administration, management, production, curatorial, technical staff - the enablers and supporters of creative work, as well as artists and practitioners.
This survey was run by Dovetail, led by Toi o Taraika Arts Wellington, Te Taumata Toi a Iwi, and Creative Waikato, supported by Wellington City Council.
Thank you to our members who participated in this survey. Your input allows us to best advocate on the Arts Industry's behalf. We appreciate your time and mahi.
View the Wellington survey results here
View the National survey results here