In Aotearoa, the arts are woven into our identity, wellbeing and resilience. Earlier this month, the government released Amplify, its draft creative and cultural strategy, for public consultation. This is an important opportunity for us all to have a say in shaping the strategy and strengthening the long-term future of the arts in New Zealand.

The strategy is a commitment to investing in our creative and cultural sectors, recognising their contribution to the economic, social and educational fabric of our society.

As we look to the future, we must ensure that accessibility and inclusion are prioritised so that all New Zealanders can engage meaningfully in the arts and reap the benefits of that engagement. This is a basic human right. 

At Arts Access Aotearoa, we know from firsthand experience that investing in the arts has direct social benefits. Creative expression is a lifeline for many, offering connection, empowerment, and a place to be seen and heard. 

As the draft Amplify strategy is reviewed and discussed, we encourage people with lived experience, the arts community, and advocates for accessibility to join us in advocating for a truly inclusive vision of the arts in Aotearoa.  The deadline for your submissions is Sunday 15 December 2024.

Strategy a national vision for the arts

The draft strategy sets out ambitious economic goals for New Zealand’s creative sector, aiming to position Aotearoa among the top 25 countries for cultural influence by 2030. Its priorities focus on maximising current funding, supporting sustainable careers, and modernising policies to drive growth and resilience.

However, with its strong economic lens, the strategy underplays a crucial role of the arts: their role in fostering identity, wellbeing and connection across society.

Recent data shows the arts sector has reached a significant economic milestone, contributing $16.3 billion, or 4.3% of Aotearoa’s GDP as of March 2023. But, as Nelson MP Rachel Boyack (also Labour spokesperson for the arts), has noted, “The strategy needs to have a stronger focus on the wellbeing aspects of involvement in the arts. We know that people with intellectual and physical disabilities, older people and people with mental health needs greatly value the arts, yet the strategy only mentions this important area in the glossary.” 

At Arts Access Aotearoa, we believe arts investment cannot be measured simply in terms of economic dividends. Findings from Creative New Zealand’s research, New Zealanders and the Arts—Ko Aotearoa me ōna Toi, show the true value of the arts on New Zealand society: for example, 60% of New Zealanders agree that the arts improve our communities, and 63% believe the arts help define our national identity. 

Social dividends underpin our economic success

The arts offer important social dividends, essential for a healthy, resilient society and we’re committed to our vision of a society where everyone has access to the arts. Ultimately these social dividends – wellbeing, connection and resilience – underpin our economic success. 
Why accessibility is fundamental to arts investment

The draft strategy represents a strong step forward for the arts in Aotearoa, but it lacks a direct focus on accessibility for Deaf and disabled communities. Accessibility must be integral to the strategy – not only as a goal but as a built-in standard.

We’d like to see accessibility included in the strategy not as an add-on but as a core element, with appropriate and sustained investment. This would help ensure that everyone can access and participate fully in Aotearoa’s creative future.

Join the call for inclusive arts investment 

Public submissions on the draft strategy are open and it’s essential that advocates, artists and communities across Aotearoa weigh in. This is an opportunity to push for a national arts strategy that reflects our shared vision of a creative sector that is accessible and beneficial to all. 

You can read the draft strategy on the Manatū Taonga website and participate in the discussion by sharing your perspective through the survey.

Join us in advocating for a strong, accessible creative sector that reflects and values every New Zealander’s story. Submissions close on Sunday 15 December: we encourage you to contribute.