Wednesday 5 April 2006

Aucklanders animated by the arts

Aucklanders play a significant role in shaping a positive national attitude to the arts according to research commissioned by Creative New Zealand and published today.

More than 82 per cent of Aucklanders believe that the arts help to define who we are as New Zealanders which compares very favourably to the national average of 75 per cent. This figure is indicative of a range of responses to the survey which reveal that Aucklanders have a positive attitude to the arts.

This enthusiasm for the arts is also reflected in attendance and participation levels with 85 per cent of Aucklanders having attended an arts event in the past 12 months and over half the population (57 per cent) participating in the arts in some way.

Creative New Zealand's research report, New Zealand and the arts: Nga iwi katoa o Aotearoa me nga mahi toi, presents the attitudes to, attendance at and participation in the arts across New Zealand.

Auckland City partnered with Creative New Zealand on this nationwide research project.

The council's contribution enabled a larger sample to be surveyed in Auckland, providing more robust data on the Auckland market, and a section of additional Auckland-specific questions tailored to understanding how Aucklanders see the state of the arts in their city.

"We are delighted to have supported Creative New Zealand on this research project," says Councillor Penny Sefuiva, chairperson of Auckland City's Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee. "The results are indicative of a maturing city, confident about its identity and engaged in its rich, creative and cultural diversity.

"The information we have received will help to guide our policy-making and provide strong advocacy for Auckland City's continued and ongoing support of the arts.

"We hope it will also provide useful information for other councils in the Auckland region and for Auckland's many arts and cultural organisations," she says.

"Auckland City is committed to a supportive environment where creativity can grow and flourish. We believe that creativity and the arts play a vital role in the life and identity of our city."

A separate report comparing Aucklanders responses to the rest of the nation and the additional Auckland specific questions will be available from Auckland City later in the month.

The results will also be presented to the arts community and people with an interest in the arts during a forum in May.

Members of the public interested in receiving a copy of these findings, or attending the presentation can email arts.planning@aucklandcity.govt.nz.

ENDS

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