Arts’ $150m Covid fund is now do or die
The Govt’s shot-in-the-arm for creative Kiwis has yet to hand out a single cent. Charlie Gates discovers if nothing changes, it may be too late.
A ‘‘once in a generation’’ boost of $150 million in Government arts funding needs to be handed out quickly or ‘‘there could be no sector left’’ to help, arts leaders have warned.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced in May that the Government would set up three special funds to help the arts sector through the impact of Covid- 19. But more than four months later none of that money has been distributed.
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra chief executive Peter Biggs said the $150m was ‘‘once in a generation funding’’, but needed to be handed out much faster.
‘‘ The reality is many in the cultural sector are doing it tough at the moment and need extra funding quickly,’’ he said.
A recession, lower ticket prices, and reduced sponsorship and philanthropy would hit the arts sector hard, he warned.
‘‘Everyone will be doing it tough. It means we are going to need extra funding to fulfil our obligations.’’
He hoped the drop in revenue would not lead to redundancies at the orchestra. ‘‘Something has got to give somewhere. We are hoping it never comes to that. We would always look to reducing activity rather than cutting people.’’
Christchurch Symphony Orchestra chief executive officer Gretchen La Roche said the money needed to be distributed quickly.
‘‘You don’t want to be in a situation where there is no sector left,’’ she said. ‘‘There needs to be a quick response … We will lose artists and arts organisations, companies and promoters.
‘‘ We are not all going to survive this, but some kind of short term help would be ideal ... to recognise it is going to be a challenging environment.’’
La Roche said arts agency Creative New Zealand should be involved in the distribution but it is being overseen by Manatu¯ Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
‘‘I think it would make sense for Creative New Zealand to be there and part of the solution.’’
One leader in the arts sector, who did not want to be named, said it was surprising the ministry was in charge when Creative New Zealand was so experienced at delivering emergency cash.
‘‘There is concern about the funding going to a policy ministry who are totally inexperienced in the funding process. Creative New Zealand understands the arts and cultural sector probably the best of any institution in the country. They have the structure and the expertise.’’
Creative New Zealand chief executive Stephen Wainwright said it would not be appropriate for the agency to comment.
The $150m funding boost is split into three funds. The Creative Arts Recovery and Employment fund includes $70m for commissioning creative projects to create employment opportunities.
The Cultural Innovation Fund is a $60m contestable fund to create new ways of operating in the arts sector. A $20m Cultural Capability Fund is for ‘‘immediate needs’’ in the arts sector.
Ministry deputy chief executive Anna Butler said the $150m in new funding was for longer term support and would be handed out over the next two to three years.
‘‘With these longer term funds, the need to move at pace is being balanced with ensuring the funds are informed by the sector and thoughtful design,’’ she said.
‘‘These initiatives are a significant opportunity for Aotearoa’s cultural sector to create new employment, develop skills, promote innovation and enhance New Zealanders access to cultural experiences.’’
Butler pointed to $66.9m already given to partner agencies and national cultural organisations by the ministry to support the sector through the pandemic. She also said about $3.3m had already been distributed to the arts sector through various new Covid-19 funds.
She said the $20m fund would open for applications in December, the $70m fund would open early next year, while the innovation fund had no fixed opening date yet.
Entertainment Venues Association of NZ (EVANZ) trustee and Trusts Arena chief executive Mark Gosling said revenue had fallen 76 per cent from March to September. He said venues needed artists to create new content so they had events to host.
‘‘ It has been pretty horrendous,’’ he said. ‘‘The sooner they get the money out and the sooner people start making content, the better it will be for venues. It will be a while before that content feeds down and becomes available to a venue and an audience.’’
‘‘There is concern about the funding going to a policy ministry who are totally inexperienced in the funding process.’’ Arts sector leader