Recognising the economic and social contribution of the arts, the government has drafted Amplify, a creative and cultural investment strategy for Aotearoa New Zealand. It wants our feedback by Sunday 15 December.

This strategy seeks to bolster the creative sector, and we need to ensure creative spaces receive the recognition and resources they deserve. Now more than ever, it is crucial for creative space leaders, staff and artists to add their voices to this vital conversation.

By submitting your insights and experiences to Amplify: a Creative and Cultural Strategy for New Zealand, you can help shape a future where creativity is not an afterthought but a cornerstone of societal growth.

A united, collective effort can help ensure the Creative Spaces Network is heard and able to thrive, nurturing new generations of artists and fostering connected, cohesive communities. I hope that every member of the Creative Spaces Network will be able to make a submission.

A haven where creativity flourishes

Why? Because I believe in the power of the arts and creativity to enrich and transform our lives. In the heart of every thriving community in Aotearoa, there’s a haven where creativity flourishes – a place where artists, regardless of their past and present circumstances, can find support, purpose and connection. 

These creative spaces are not merely physical locations; they are lifelines, offering a sanctuary for people who have faced trauma and social exclusion. They embody the potential for healing and empowerment through artistic expression, becoming essential pillars of the community fabric. 

Within the nurturing environment of a creative space, artists are not only welcomed but celebrated for their unique voices and perspectives. Here, they find a supportive network of peers and mentors who understand the transformative power of art.

This sense of belonging fosters resilience, allowing individuals to reclaim their narratives and build a brighter future. 

Vital resources for personal and professional growth

Creative spaces provide more than just a platform for artistic expression; they also offer vital resources for personal and professional growth. Workshops, exhibitions and collaborative projects pave the way for skill development and confidence-building. 

Through these opportunities, artists can redefine their identities, shifting from feeling marginalised to being integral contributors to cultural dialogue. This empowerment extends beyond the individual, enriching the entire community with diverse stories and innovative ideas. 

The powerful and ongoing impact of creative spaces highlights the urgent need for continued support and investment. Let us join forces and advocate for our Creative Spaces Network. By amplifying our stories and sharing our successes, we can inspire others to recognise the profound impact of art and culture.

Together, we can help cultivate a world where everyone has the opportunity to heal, grow and contribute through the power of creativity. 

Please make your voice heard: give your feedback on Amplify, the government’s national arts strategy. The survey will take around ten to 15 minutes of your time. Or you may prefer to write your own submission in a Word document about the issues that matter most to you. You can then email Manatū Taonga directly.

Here are some links and tips to make the process faster and easier. 

Making a submission: useful links

1. Visit Amplify: a Creative and Cultural Strategy for New Zealand and read the information. On this webpage, you will find links to:

• reading or downloading the strategy
• making a submission online or filling out the print version. 

2. Creative Waikato has a handy summary on some of the Strategy’s key points. Read the summary and its hot tips.

3. Arts Action Now also offers some useful useful guidance, available on its website.

We know that the lack of accessible formats for the strategy consultation documents is preventing many Deaf and disabled people from engaging with the strategy. This means they are not able to share their feedback to the strategy.

It’s essential that everyone can share their feedback and that the strategy speaks to and reflects the needs and aspirations of everyone, including Deaf and disabled artists and audiences. 

If you are making a submission, we hope you can join us in advocating for the importance of accessibility as an integral part of this national strategy.