Media release
24 November 2006
An Auckland base for national arts organizations
Five major national arts organizations are planning to make a virtue of the fact that their Auckland offices are
adjacent to each other. The third floor of the Southern Cross building on the corner of High and Wellesley Streets
houses the offices of Creative New Zealand, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Music New Zealand, the Royal New
Zealand Ballet, and the New Zealand Film Commission. This cluster of offices forms something of a precinct for national
arts companies. The James Wallace Arts Trust has loaned some fine paintings for the refurbished spaces used by four of
these companies that will complement the display of other art works in the Creative New Zealand office.
A reception is being held on 7 December to celebrate the new look and the spirit of cooperation that goes with it. Peter
Walls, the NZSO's Chief Executive, remarks that "For all of us in the Southern Cross building, Auckland is a vital
market. We are glad to be joining hands in order to service Auckland more effectively - and I think we are all also
determined to work constructively alongside the wonderful arts organisations that are domiciled in the city."
ENDS