Healthy Cultural Sector Dependent On Prosperous Economy
"It's ironic that arts bodies are being funded more at the very time when New Zealanders' disposable income is
dropping," says former Culture and Heritage Minister Marie Hasler.
"The cultural sector depends entirely on patronage by New Zealanders.
"Higher mortgages, higher taxes and a lower exchange rate mean fewer ordinary New Zealanders will be in a position to
buy books, attend concerts or buy New Zealand art."
"It's also essential that the new Creative New Zealand money is used to encourage the creation of contemporary New
Zealand work. Film, drama and TV must reflect our modern national identity - as opposed to the traditional cultural
forms of previous centuries, which are already part of our heritage," Ms Hasler says.
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