Arts sector reeling from Creative NZ funding cuts of up to 60%
Theatre companies, dance festivals and music venues across New Zealand are struggling after a $27 million reduction in government arts funding this year.
Following a $27 million reduction in arts funding announced in this year's budget, Creative NZ has delivered steep cuts to organisations across the country. Theatres, dance festivals and music venues are facing funding decreases of 50–60%, forcing some to consider closure and others to restructure operations. Arts industry representatives expressed dismay at the impact, with some noting they have never seen funding support this low. The cuts come as research shows the arts sector generates significant economic returns, yet with voters focused on cost-of-living issues, political support for reversing the cuts appears limited.
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The Spinoff
Has the arts sector ever done it this hard?
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