PĀNUI PĀPĀHO MEDIA RELEASE: THE GOVERNMENT
More people will be able to find social connection, and practise and participate in the arts through further funding for 36 creative spaces across the motu, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Carmel Sepuloni announced today.

Creative spaces play an important role in our communities. They provide opportunities for disabled people, people with mental health needs and those looking for social connection to practice and participate in the arts.

“The arts, culture and heritage sector was hit particularly hard by COVID-19. The CARE fund is part of the Arts and Culture COVID Recovery Programme and underlines our Government’s commitment to building back better as we secure our recovery from COVID-19,” Carmel Sepuloni said.

 “I have seen firsthand the wellbeing benefits of creative spaces. There are many people in our communities who are marginalised and experience barriers to being able to make the most of their artistic skills and talents.

“Government is investing a further $11.37 million to provide even more opportunities for people to build up their confidence and self-esteem through accessing creative spaces in their own neighbourhoods. We can’t underestimate the sense of fulfilment that these spaces provide. 

“This funding will also give stability for creative spaces to expand their services and create employment opportunities in the sector through things like art-making workshops, performing arts activities, creative writing and raranga (weaving) workshops.

“I’m pleased that Manatū Taonga has partnered with Arts Access Aotearoa in delivering this initiative. With their wealth of knowledge and established relationships, they will also work with the recipients to help them with reporting, source longer-term sustainable funding, and share good practice with the Creative Space Network,” Carmel Sepuloni said.

This latest funding from the Te Tahua Whakahaumaru Creative Arts Recovery and Employment (CARE) Fund means a total of $17.12 million has been awarded to 54 creative spaces across Aotearoa in two rounds this year.

It is estimated that more than 11,000 people each year use the 90 creative spaces across Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The Minister announced round two today. Round one was announced in May 2021. Below is a list of all recipients over both rounds, starting with round two.

Download the list of 54 recipients in round one and round two:

List of round 1 and 2 recipients (PDF 182KB)

List of round 1 and 2 recipients (WORD 40KB) 

Media contact:
Kieran Meredith | Press Secretary
Office of Hon Carmel Sepuloni
DDI: +64 4 817 8294 | Mobile: +64 21 817 570 | Email: Kieran.Meredith@parliament.govt.nz