Annual report 2022

“If we’re going to make a go of Aotearoa Inc in the bottom of the South Pacific, with all the problems that now confront us, all the friction of multiple cultures, of plural political perspectives, of a planet in deep trouble thanks to us, I believe the arts will be the torch that shines the way.”

This powerful call was expressed by Justice Joe Williams at the opening of Ngā Wāhi Auaha Creative Spaces Conference 2022 on 1 November. Justice Joe Williams – also a musician – spoke about the role of art in driving social change. He described the arts as a pill to invoke empathy and said that no community could survive without empathy. “It’s the glue that binds us together.”

Given the multiple social and economic benefits of the arts in Aotearoa New Zealand, it’s essential that our artists, performers, filmmakers and writers receive adequate and sustained funding to make art that gives us hope; illuminates our past, present and future; challenges our thinking; inspires empathy – and, indeed, binds us together.

Funding for the arts comes from various sectors: central and local government, sponsorships, philanthropic trusts and gaming trusts. In these challenging economic times, the Government supported the arts sector with additional funding to Creative New Zealand and Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

Local councils are – and should be – key players in funding the diverse arts and cultural organisations that enhance their community’s brand and attract visitors; foster the mental health and wellbeing of their citizens; and encourage social cohesion and optimism.

You can read the report in He aha ngā tāke kōrero? What’s the story? 2022.

Te Arotake Performance review 2022 includes Arts Access Aotearoa’s independent Auditor's Report for the year ended 31 December 2022. It is included in the document He aha ngā tāke kōrero? What’s the story? 2022.