Creative people in Auckland need to be aware of the Spatial Plan as it provides them with the opportunity for informed input into the direction their own arts community takes.

However, it is not only Aucklanders who need to be aware of this plan; those outside Auckland should follow the process because this could be the shape of their own future should the ‘Supercity’ model be appropriated throughout New Zealand.

Download the pdf here: (1.5mg)

Auckland Cabinet Spatial Plan

Want to know something the Government doesn’t want you to know?  National is quietly reneging on its 2008 election promise to maintain a successful business training scheme for people on the dole.  How surprising: one would think they would champion a scheme that is proven to turn beneficiaries into business owners, creating jobs for themselves and potentially others.  Particularly in a time of high unemployment.

Could the problem be that the scheme in question, Pathways to Arts and Cultural Employment (Pace), is aimed at the creative industries?  That for all our celebrated film and fashion success, creative businesses are still not taken seriously as money earners by the Government?  No, that can’t be right’ John Key would have turned away Warner Bros quick smart if so.

Let us be clear here: Pace is not designed to support painters starving in garrets while they turn out what might be their masterpieces.  Instead people including experienced web designers, graphic artists, curators, musicians, actors, film editors, advertising creatives and, yes, even journalists, attend several intensive fulltime business planning courses during the time they are assigned to the scheme (now six months, whittled down from a year).  Over the past year, Pace participants in Auckland have found work as television production assistants, freelance clothing designers, camera operators, industrial product developers and so on.

Yet, according to Minister for Social Development Paula Bennett, Pace participants are “turning down available work to follow an artistic dream” and “now is not the time” to be doing that.  I’ve never heard journalism called an “artistic dream” before, so I’m chuffed.  Cheers, Paula!

School leavers, take note:  the Government doesn’t want you applying for any of its funded design or writing courses, let alone its performance or art schools.  Those things only foster artistic dreams – read: unrealistic luxuries.  Skip those three to six years of tertiary study and go directly to your local supermarket applying for “available work” instead.

For – and again, I quote reports of Ms Bennett – people on “welfare” should “get a job – any job – because that’s the first step to a better job”

Is house cleaning the first step to a solicitor’s practice for an unemployed lawyer?  As Jacinda Ardern, Labour’s spokeswoman for employment points out, “It will be a waste for everyone if someone with skills ends up in an unskilled job that someone else might need.”

Pace participants work in a large sector, a sector which NZ Trade and Enterprise still lists as a “growth” industry, and where freelancing is often the norm.

With a few business skills, the potential for self-employment is enormous.

A musician on Pace might be encouraged to teach guitar while the client base for their recording studio builds up: an actor might decide to look for regular singing gigs in between television work.

Pace doesn’t suit all artists – some are happier with part-time jobs which are completely different from the art practice, harbouring their creative energies for their own visions, not their clients’.

The scheme’s goals are not artistic but economic:  participants are taught how to identify, market and exploit money=making potential within their creative skill sets.  But, like a good employee being performance-managed out of a job because secretly her manager doesn’t like her mismatched earrings, time is running out for Pace.  According to media reports, Pace courses could once be found in 13 centres, but are now only offered in Auckland, Hamilton and Dunedin.

The scheme started in 2001; two years later, it had 2027 members and 1200 former participants were working in the creative industries.

Last September, participant numbers had dwindled to 376.  But while participants have decreased by over 80 per cent, the scheme’s cost has decreased by only 40 per cent, from 1.1 million in 2003 to a projected $660,000 this year.  Thus, the scheme gives far less value for money now than before the Government’s deliberate neglect.

Pace is now under review.  No doubt the numbers above will be used to attack the scheme itself, rather than its current management.

Creative People’s Centre  encourages discussion and debate on arts issues.  Please contact us with your response to this article, further information on this topic or on other NZ arts & culture related issues by using our contact form here or by leaving a comment.

How the Arts Advisory Group will influence and relate to Auckland Council

The majority of responses (35%) mentioned values that relate to the cohesiveness of the group and its ability to lead the arts sector as a whole. This involves the group’s role in encouraging collaboration within the sector and the membership of the group, developing the networks between them and establishing effective channels of communication that enable this interaction. The second key element of the activities of the group is its role in providing a unified voice which represents the diversity of views of the members of the group, and the relaying of these views to council by acting as a conduit.

The next main area of responses to this question (26%) discussed the role of the group in promoting the arts more generally in tandem with council. This means celebrating and acknowledging the importance of the arts within the city, helping the public to engage with artistic activities, as well as raising the national and international profile of the creative milieu of Auckland.

On an almost equal level of significance in terms of responses (25%), there was specific reference to changes in council procedures and attitudes brought about through the work of the group. Most of these responses envisioned the arts as becoming embedded as a core driver guiding council policymaking. Many addressed the importance for policymakers to be educated on, and therefore recognise, the importance of the arts to the wellbeing and prosperity of the city. This was followed closely by responses that called for a regional strategy for arts development.
Finally, a portion of responses (14%) mentioned funding as an area for improvement. Increases were called for, as well as measures to ensure funding was equitable, secure and reliable, and was given priority on the council agenda.

Accomplishments for the group to aspire to

In this round, the majority of responses (35%) focused on the group’s relationship to council. These were similar to responses in the first round – there was again a call for the sector’s increased impact on policy, and a need for recognition from policymakers of the relevance of the arts to council objectives. Slightly more significant than this was the emphasis on the development of strong lines of communication between the sector and council through which regular and meaningful consultation could occur.

Connectivity was again discussed frequently (30%), this time with more reference to the identity of the group. There were many calls for the group to ensure it was representative of the sector, in that it has a wide scope of inclusion and allows for the diversity of its members. The main task of the group at hand was seen to be the development of its identity, refining its range of activities and building a structure which could maintain these. Once this is achieved, other responses looked forward to the group providing a forum for sharing and dialogue amongst members.

Again, promotion of the arts was identified as an area for the group to consider (15%). Specifically, for the value of the arts to be seen as an important part of the branding of Auckland city.
Research activities were singled out as important for attention (12%) – mainly concerning the development of new strategy. Also highlighted was the need to carry out a stocktake of arts assets and generally more detailed analysis of the sector.

Finally, greater funding from council was flagged by a few of the responses (8%).

Core values and principles to guide the development of the group

The most significant section of responses to this question talked about the importance of the group being representative (14%). This means the group could claim to be inclusive and accessible, as well as having a broad mandate to make assertions on behalf of the sector as a whole.

Following closely to this (8%) was the need for transparency and integrity as core values guiding the group’s actions – ensuring it remained accountable and democratic in its processes. On par with these responses (8%), were the activities of advocacy and lobbying accompanied by an attitude of perseverance and commitment. Following closely (7%), were views that the group should maintain a ‘big picture’ approach that was visionary and aspirational in its thinking.

There were three other qualities that stood out equally amongst the responses (6%): diversity, communication and connectivity. The first links back to the main call for the group to be representative, but was noteworthy for making specific reference to the sector’s variety of ethnic groups, ages, and locations which need to be recognised and included in the greater identity of the group. Communication was often mentioned – between the group and council, local boards, and other agencies, as well as with other relevant sectors and groups in the city. Connectivity refers to the need for networking within the group – bringing in previously disparate actors who have a commonality in their involvement in the arts.

Another aspect worth mentioning which was not a major finding from the responses but was mentioned throughout the three rounds and as four per cent of the responses about core values – was the need to integrate and include both community and professional arts practices. Acknowledging this cleavage in the sector might involve special attention but will no doubt be crucial to the success of the group and tie in closely to its other values such as representativeness.

See the summary in the spreadsheet for more principles and values.

Compiled by Elise Sterback for the Auckland Arts Working Group

In the transition to the new Auckland governance, the creation of an Auckland Arts & Culture Advisory Group by Auckland’s arts and culture sector was strongly recommended by members of the ATA.  (The sports and recreation sector have undertaken this type of regional strategy development some time ago.)

To help progress the initiative the Working party formed out of the sector wide TAPAC meetings in 2009 wishes to facilitate three sessions to explore and collectively work towards the foundation of an Auckland Arts & Culture Advisory Group.

The concept has since been favourably received by outgoing council senior officers and Creative NZ. The new Manager Arts, Culture and Events, Gail Richards and Manager, Community  Development Arts and Culture, Louise Mason  of Auckland Council are also supportive of the discussion and are interested to see the outcomes of the workshops from our sector.

We invite you to the first of these sessions (with The Big Idea Assist’s Elisabeth Vaneveld facilitating) on Wednesday 24 November 3:00 – 6:00pm, Town Hall Reception Room, entry off Queen St at the clock tower end.

The Agenda:

• Background:  how this mission came about
• Defining the purpose of the Auckland Arts & Culture Advisory Group
• The vision of the Auckland Arts & Culture Advisory Group
• We may get as far as beginning the goals and objectives – or at least sow the seeds for the next meeting…..

We are pleased to announce that Kerry Harvey from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage and Elizabeth Beale from Creative New Zealand will be in attendance.

The intended participants in this work-shopping process are representatives from any of greater Auckland’s arts and cultural organisations. We welcome those of you who want to take part and wish to work actively and collaboratively with their peers to co-create the Advisory Group and define its purpose and approach.

Ideally from your organisation a senior manager and a board member will attend.  As this will be a working meeting /workshop, it is highly desirable that all attendees are well-informed and to this end, the Working Group is working on some background documents intended to bring the meeting participants to the same starting line, which will be circulated to those who have RSVP’d prior to the workshop.

Please rsvp your attendance by Friday 19 November to Maggie at maggie@artistsalliance.org.nz

The Auckland Arts and Culture Working Group:

Maggie Gresson, Anne Rodda, James McCarthy, Candy Elsmore

Maggie Gresson
Executive Director
Artists Alliance

1 Ponsonby Road
Newton
Auckland
New Zealand

Phone: + 9 376 7285
Mobile: + 021 220 9623
Email: maggie@artistsalliance.org.nz

www.artistsalliance.org.nz
www.watchthisspace.org.nz

Follow Artists Alliance on Twitter www.twitter.com
Join the Artists Alliance group on Facebook www.facebook.com

Artists Alliance receives significant funding from Creative New Zealand and ASB Community Trust.

This Bill demolishes the Arts and Toi Maori Boards and makes one Council of 13 Members.

If your Community Arts Council or you as an individual want to note the lack of concern for funding or support for your Community Arts Council in the last fifteen years you can write a submission to this current bill.  This can be done online:  http://www.parliament.nz/.

All you need to do is describe your concerns and experiences. You could also note some or all of the following and stress that you believe:

1. Creative New Zealand is a development agency. Currently development is focused towards a narrow band of high art forms; without development plans or resourcing at the community level. Creative New Zealand funding and support appears to be inaccessible to all but those involved in professional arts.

i. Request a member of Creative New Zealand staff be dedicated to support community arts and community arts councils.

2. Community and recreational arts organisations desperately miss the support and advice they used to receive at local, regional and national level from dedicated staff in the former regional offices.

i. Request reinstatement of dedicated officers in the regional offices to work with community, recreational groups and individuals to build capability and capacity at community level.

3. Creative New Zealand needs to adopt a wider definition of the arts to become more inclusive and encouraging of cultural diversity, access and participation. In order to have a creative New Zealand continually developing and striving for excellence, support and resources need to be focused across all forms of art not just towards professional arts organisations and a narrow range of art forms.

As a Community Arts Provider you might wish to extend your submission to discuss your relationship with your territorial local authority, describe your interests and activities and then say why your activities and art form are important parts of the process to provide the Arts to All New Zealanders as suggested in the both the 1994 Act and the 2010 Bill.

The submission closing date is 8th October 2010. You might also visit your local Member of Parliament and discuss your submission.

The Arts Participation Trust will be making a submission along with suggested amendments to the Bill. If you would like a copy of the proposed amendments, assistance with making a submission or more information please see www.artsparticipation.org.nz or contact Monica at info@artsparticipation.org.nz or Glen Wiggs (Chair, Arts Participation New Zealand) at glen@wiggsy.com .

MEET THE CANDIDATES STANDING AS COUNCILLORS FOR YOUR NORTH SHORE WARD AND AS DEVONPORT-TAKAPUNA LOCAL BOARD MEMBERS.

Your opportunity to hear the candidates address local concerns.

7-9.30pm Wednesday, 29 September
Devonport Community House
32 Clarence St
DEVONPORT

Whether as a candidate, supporting a candidate or by voting, you have the opportunity to take an active role in choosing the representatives who will help shape Auckland’s future.

One unitary council, one mayor, 20 councillors representing 13 wards, 149 local board members representing 21 local board areas:  by taking part in these elections, you can make a difference for yourself and your community.

The elections timetable is:

23 July
Nominations for candidates open
Electoral rolls open for inspection

20 August
Nominations close (noon), roll closes

25 August
Candidates’ names publicised
Public notification of the day of election

17 -22 September
Voting documents are delivered

17 September – 9 October
Progressive roll scrutiny
Special voting period
Early processing of returned votes

9 October
Election day. Voting closes at noon and counting starts

14 – 20 October
Results are declared and publicly notified

The Arts Council is responsible for overall policy development for Creative New Zealand, which operates at arm’s length from government in encouraging, promoting and supporting the arts in New Zealand.

“I appreciate that Alastair Carruthers has agreed to remain as chair of the council during a time of proposed legislative change to the governance structure of Creative New Zealand,” Mr Finlayson said. “I am also delighted that Creative New Zealand will have the considerable talents of Professor Davidson, who has been one of our leading academics. Professor Davidson replaces actor and writer Oscar Kightley, whom I thank for his contribution as a council member”.

Alastair Carruthers is the Chief Executive of a major New Zealand law firm, Chapman Tripp Barristers and Solicitors, based in Wellington and Auckland.   He has strategic business skills and experience in musical performance and governance.   He is a former trustee of the New Zealand String Quartet Trust and   was appointed as chair of the Arts Council in 2007.

Emeritus Professor Dr John Davidson, was until recently, Head of School, Art History, Classic and Religious Studies at Victoria University Wellington.  He has had a long career in academic work and research. Professor Davidson is a member of a number of professional organisations including being President of the Australasian Society of Classical Studies.

Artist and advocate Anne Rush and the former chair of the Whitirea Community Law Centre Jocelyn Afford have been appointed as members of the Creative New Zealand Arts Board, and current chair of the board Alan Sorrell has been re-appointed, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Christopher Finlayson announced today.

The Arts Board is responsible for encouraging, promoting, and supporting the development of the arts in New Zealand, including those of the Pacific Islands’ peoples and the diverse cultures of New Zealand through the allocation of funding to artists, arts organisations and arts projects.

“I welcome Jocelyn Afford to the Arts Board where her extensive arts interests and previous experience as a Radio New Zealand Board member will be particularly welcome at a time of proposed legislative change,” Mr Finlayson said. “I am pleased also that Alan Sorrell has agreed to reappointment as chair and that Anne Rush has accepted a joint appointment to both the Arts Board and the Arts Council of Creative New Zealand.”

Jocelyn Afford of Wellington has a wide range of legal experience and most recently was responsible for the financial management of a barrister’s practice and of a property company. She has extensive arts interests and governance experience, having previously been a Radio New Zealand board member and secretary of the New Zealand Apple and Pear Board’s regulatory authority.

Anne Rush has extensive experience as an advocate, in the preparation and presentation of concept papers to trustees, conferences, seminars, Government (including caucus) select committees, local government forums, and annual and strategic plans in both their oral and written forms. She is co-founder of the Nelson Bays Arts Marketing Network.  She has been a member of the Creative New Zealand Arts Council since 2009.

Alan Sorrell has legal skills as a barrister specialising in commercial litigation, intellectual property, copyright, media and entertainment fields, and contractual disputes. His background is as a very experienced public and private sector governor.  Mr Sorrell was a member of the New Zealand Film Commission Board from 1993 – 2002 during which time he was the chair from 1996 – 2002.  He became the chair of the Creative New Zealand Arts Board in 2007.

The Government introduced the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill into Parliament last month. It is intended to streamline Creative New Zealand’s four governing bodies – including the Arts Board – into a single board to reduce complexity and improve its effectiveness.

(from Media Statement: Hon Christopher Finlayson, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage)

The sum of $10 million was distributed to all the territorial authorities in the Auckland region to spend on “significant art and culture projects” when the Auckland Regional Services Trust (ARST) was dissolved in 1998.

Council received $628,000 and decided to keep the capital intact and spend only the interest.

By contrast, other Auckland councils have spent all their funds and local artists are concerned that after the change in governance, Rodney’s fund, which is held in trust and administered by Council, could disappear into the supercity’s coffers.

Council’s community development manger Paul Green says that staff are preparing a report for presentation to Council which outlines options for retaining the funds in Rodney.

The report is scheduled to go to Council’s July 8 meeting.

http://www.localmatters.co.nz/

There will be a number of Mayoral Candidate Forums held over the next four months and it is imperative that probing questions on arts funding, policies and development are asked, answered and reported on.

The nominations for Auckland’s local body elections officially open on July 23 with elections just four months away.  Check back here for regular updates on issues relating to the arts and details on attending Mayoral Candidate Forums.  If you would like to post your views, questions or concerns regarding the representation of the arts and culture sector in the 2010 mayoral elections you can do so by sending the contact form, available by clicking here.