A business workshop with an artistic twist for Wellington
How do arts organisations sustain their income? Can the power of business with purpose help bring about social and
environmental change? What does social enterprise mean? Where do you start when you have a world-changing idea to make a
difference? How can the emerging social enterprise sector and the artistic community connect?
Those are the questions that the Ākina Foundation is planning to answer at its first social enterprise workshop
targeting the arts community in Wellington on 10 March.
Ākina CEO Alex Hannant said the workshop would be the first time Ākina had specifically targeted the arts and creative
community, although it was a natural fit.
“Social enterprise is business for good – it’s a purpose-driven organisation that trades to deliver social or
environmental impact. While the terminology of social enterprise may be new, the concept has been around for a long
time. It offers a way to tackle social and environmental challenges through a sustainable business model – it’s a hybrid
between business and charity,” he said.
Participants will learn what social enterprise is about, the impact it can have and where to start, plus will meet
like-minded people.
Workshop participants might include leaders of arts organisations that wish to grow their business skills and explore
alternate or complimentary options to grant applications and traditional fundraising or individuals with an idea to
create a community social enterprise with an arts theme.
Mr Hannant said Ākina had worked with arts organisations before in a coaching capacity but was looking forward to
offering this targeted workshop format.
The workshop is being held at the Toi Poneke Arts Centre, 61-69 Abel Smith Street, Wellington. The workshops cost $20
each for general admission or $10 for low-waged attendees. Registrations in advance are essential.
To find out more or register to attend, go to the Ākina website for the event listing, or phone or email Ākina on 04 384 9676 or info@akina.org.nz.
ENDS