March 16, 2023

Some of Aotearoa’s most respected artists, creative leaders, academics and educators have come together to make sure that the arts gets on the radar in this year’s election campaign.

The Big Idea Editor
Mar 13, 2023

An email circulated among some arts circles last week – raising some important issues. Such conversations are not uncommon, but the collective eager to bring these conversations to the forefront is an eye-catching one.

The combined experience of the group is impressive – the signatories on the email are regular advocates for creatives and the creative community: Judy Darragh, Sir Roger Hall, Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Eve de Castro-Robinson, John Daly-Peoples, Professor Peter O’Connor and Roger Horrocks.

This open letter is published with permission.

Kia ora tātou,

To everyone involved in the arts

Everyone associated with the arts knows that the situation for artists in Aotearoa New Zealand has many problems. A national election is coming up on October 14 this year. This is a vital opportunity for the arts community to ask all the political parties to address some key concerns of our sector.

The arts are a positive and enriching part of our way-of-life – but how best to support those involved? [More on The Big Idea]