As the sector continues to navigate significant challenges, the narrative guide is designed to support a collective approach to advocating for change and building support for a future where artists and creativity thrive, so all New Zealanders flourish.

The guide offers advice on how to build public narratives that celebrate and support the role arts, culture and creativity play in our lives, and how to communicate what changes our sector and communities need to flourish. Changing the story on arts, culture and creativity in Aotearoa was researched and written by narrative strategists The Workshop with stewardship from sector advisory group Te Rōpū Mana Toi and input from range of sector voices.

Tracey Monastra, Advocacy Manager at Creative New Zealand, says “Creative New Zealand is committed to empowering the arts, culture and creative sector with tools to help strengthen our collective voice. We’re excited about the potential of this guide as a tool for change. We know that advocating for the sector is long-term mahi that takes many different forms – and that we’re stronger together. With a shared approach we can bolster the important work many are already doing to have an even larger impact.”

The online launch event is on Tuesday 25 October, 12.30pm-1.30pm via Creative New Zealand’s Facebook page. You’ll also be able to watch the launch on Creative New Zealand’s Youtube channel.

We encourage anyone involved in advocating the value of the arts to join us. You’ll hear from members of Te Rōpū Mana Toi, The Workshop and Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa about the kaupapa, and how we can work together to bring it to life.

Kim Morton, Director of Ōtautahi Creative Spaces and member of Te Rōpū Mana Toi says: “What really excites me about this work is that it can bring us together as an arts community in a way that we haven’t been before. It will help us speak with an aligned voice and make more of a difference in the work we do

“In the past we’ve assumed that people understand why art, culture and creativity is so important, and what’s needed for our sector to flourish – but we can’t take it for granted that this is widely understood. The narrative guide gives us a framework and tools to build support for the arts, culture and creative sector so that our impact can be even greater.

Dolina Wehipeihana, Kaiārahi Māori, PANNZ; General Manager, Kia Mau Festival; Chair, Atamira Dance Company; Co-Director, Betsy & Mana Productions and member of  Te Rōpū Mana Toi adds “I’m excited to advocate for changes that we’ve known have needed to happen for a while – and to bring everybody together while doing this.

“It’s a critical time in Aotearoa where we are coming to understand our unique identity. We’ve got some incredible diversity in our population, and we’re underpinned by the energy that comes out of this land, which inspires our arts practices. This mahi has great scope for continuing to embrace Te Ao Māori values, recognising the important role of Māori artists and mana whenua, and working together to tell these stories”.

Te Rōpū Mana Toi members will play a leading role in taking the learnings from the guide out to their own arts, culture and creative communities – and those they are connected to, sharing insights and helping people apply the recommendations to their own mahi.

Marianne Elliott, Co-Director at The Workshop: “Our research found that most New Zealanders already deeply value arts, culture and creativity – but don’t understand what needs to be in place for the sector to thrive. The guide helps provide better explanations that can fill that gap in understanding what changes the sector needs to thrive”.

If you believe arts, culture and creativity are central to a thriving Aotearoa, this guide is for you. Please join us.

Register for the Facebook live launch on 25 October at 12.30pm here.

Event details

When: Tuesday 25 October, 12.30pm
Where: On our Facebook Page

Questions?

Email us: advocacy@creativenz.govt.nz