08 Feb 2018
Creative New Zealand welcomes last week’s proposal by Auckland Mayor Phil Goff to increase funding to the Auckland Art Gallery by $20 million over the next ten years.
In announcing the proposed funding increase, Mr Goff stated “the Auckland Art Gallery is a critical asset to the city”.
Advocacy group Save Our Gallery, which is working to raise awareness of the importance of the gallery for the city, welcomed Mayor Goff’s proposal.
“His announcement of a proposed $2 million per year for the next ten years is a positive step in response to this underfunding which currently sees the gallery with an operating budget of $6.9 million per annum.”
Creative New Zealand supports Save Our Gallery’s work to promote the importance of art and culture for the vibrancy and vitality of Auckland as an international city.
“The arts are an essential part of helping Auckland become a world-class city and a great place to live, one which integrates arts and culture into the everyday lives of Aucklanders,” said Creative New Zealand Chief Executive, Stephen Wainwright.
“We are heartened to see groups like Save Our Gallery working together to advocate for the arts, which help to unite and strengthen communities while also contributing to their economic and cultural well-being.”
Creative New Zealand looks forward to seeing further detail around the Mayor’s proposal and to submitting on Auckland Council’s draft Long-Term Plan (due later this year) as well as continuing to make the case for the valuable contribution the city’s artists, creative sector and cultural institutions make.
“We encourage all advocates, supporters, and lovers of the arts to contribute their voices.”
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