Pilot funding creates ‘cultural activators’ in communities

The Ministry for Arts, Culture and Heritage (Manatu¯ Taonga) has opened applications from cultural sector organisations to host ‘cultural activators’ in eight communities around the country, including the Far North.

Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Carmel Sepuloni said the pilot, part of Te Tahua Whakahaumaru (Creative Arts Recovery and Employment Fund), was aimed at building creative skills and connecting them with opportunities in the wider cultural sector.

“This pilot underlines the Government’s commitment to help the arts and cultural sector to adapt, survive and thrive,” she said.

“The cultural activators will be established cultural sector practitioners, and hosted by local organisations. They’ll focus on collaborating with communities to tell their stories, build their creative skills, and connect them with opportunities in the wider cultural sector.

“Culture and creativity are experiences that bring us together and enhance our daily lives, contributing around $17.5 billion to New Zealand’s GDP. That’s why we’re taking a targeted approach to investing in and unlocking creativity in communities where there is considered to be barriers to access and participation in the arts,” Sepuloni said.

Cultural activators would be hosted in the Far North, Ma¯ngereOtahuhu, Kawerau, Gisborne, Wairoa, South Waikato, Buller and Invercargill. Two of the roles would focus on Ma¯ori, and one on Pacific peoples.

“As established cultural sector practitioners, cultural activators will understand their community’s cultural needs and will be well placed to generate interest and participation in cultural activities and mentor emerging creatives in their community,” Sepuloni added.

“The cultural activators pilot will run for one year, and will be evaluated to measure its success in increasing access and participation in cultural activities in the selected communities.

“The evaluation will inform decisions about any continuation or expansion of the pilot.”