02 Apr 2025
Throughout March All in for Arts: He waka toi e eke noa nei tātou brought together artists, creatives, and communities at events across Aotearoa.
Over coffee and breakfast, each event showcased inspiring stories and perspectives on the power of creativity from a wide range of artists, givers, businesspeople, young people and local government leaders.
Led by The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi, and supported by Creative New Zealand, audiences heard about the power of creativity to shape identity, connect people, and build a thriving future for art, artists and all New Zealanders. All in for Arts was described by audience members as “an inspiring start to the morning” and “a true privilege to be inspired by so many excellent minds”.
This year we visited Ngāmotu New Plymouth, Ōtautahi Christchurch, Whakatū Nelson, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, Ahuriri Napier, and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Here are five key themes that emerged throughout the tour.
Creativity is at the heart our national identity
Across the country, speakers spoke of creativity as a force woven into our whakapapa, our cultural heritage, and our everyday lives. We heard how art provides a sense of belonging and a way to tell our collective stories. Māori, Pasifika and rangatahi creatives emphasized the importance of having spaces where they can freely express their identities.
We heard that as creativity is embedded in culture, supporting artists means supporting the expression of who we are as a nation.
"Creativity is embedded in our cultures. Creativity is not separate to who we are. It is woven into our whakapapa and our Tipuna." - Devin Baileh and Grace Colcord, Founders, Brown Town
“Creativity takes ordinary spaces and transforms them into creative spaces that reflect our unique identity.” - Desley Simpson, Deputy Mayor of Auckland
"It is so incredibly important when I tie in the creative sector and identity because there was a time where the identity of my own culture wasn’t visually in existence unless I went to my marae." - Dinnie Moeahu, New Plymouth City Councillor
“People aren’t coming to Aotearoa to visit a shopping mall. Our environment, our connection to culture and history is our strongest drawcard. We use the arts to tell these stories.” - Nicola Toki, CE, Forest and Bird
Art and creativity build stronger communities
Speakers talked about how art is a bridge between people; it strengthens communities by fostering empathy, joy, and understanding.
From storytelling to public art projects, we heard how creativity can break down barriers, connect people across generations, and create a sense of shared belonging.
We heard how a thriving arts scene means a stronger, more connected society, and that investing in the arts is investing in community wellbeing.
"If art is an integral part of community, then a community is incomplete without the arts." - Dame Robin White, painter, Arts Foundation Icon
"The arts can open the door wider, changing hearts and minds, whether we gather in celebration, curiosity or crisis, the arts create space and moments for people." - Jade Baker, Director, Arts Inc. Heretaunga
"When a community is living in abundance, you will see creative practice in its most powerful state." - Rob Ruha, musician and Arts Foundation Laureate
Creativity requires courage and support
Many speakers emphasised that creativity isn’t always easy; it takes risk, resilience, and self-belief. Artists push boundaries and step into the unknown to create something new.
However, for creativity to thrive, it needs backing. Multiple speakers emphasised that we all have a role to play in supporting art whether through investment, advocacy, or simply showing up for our artists. Their message was that creativity thrives when it is valued.
"Bringing in money to back our artists now requires urgency, more than ever... we all have a responsibility to do our bit if we want a thriving arts community." - Jo Blair, Founder and Director, Brown Bread
"Creativity is tangible proof that there is something worth hoping for, something worth fighting for. However, hope... is not enough. We can't run on hope. We need help too." - Kaiata Kaitao, writer, student and Napier Youth Councillor
“For so long our sector has been in a state of resilience... I suppose the question I’m asking all of us is... what does it look like beyond being resilient? What does thriving look like beyond resilience? What does it look like to have our damn needs met?” - Sheldon Rua, street dancer and storyteller
"Creativity bridges imagination and reality. It fuels problem solving, innovation, and it deserves greater recognition in New Zealand. Logic and evidence are persuasive, but the arts can open the door wider, changing hearts and minds." - Jade Baker, Director, Arts Inc. Heretaunga
A reminder that creativity is for all of us
Another strong message heard at All in for Arts was a reminder that creativity isn’t reserved for those with a career in the arts and creative sectors; it belongs to everyone. Speakers talked about how creativity is a fundamental part of being human, and we can all find new ways to express ourselves.
The challenge is ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or resources, has equal opportunities to explore and embrace it.
“Only humans make art, and it is for humans. It’s what separates us from other creatures.” - Peter Gordon, chef, restaurateur, writer
“Creativity is a human faculty... when I talk about human beings I’m talking about our entire global family. We are all creative.” - Dame Robin White, painter, Arts Foundation Icon
“My dream and my hope is that every young person across Aotearoa has access to the creative opportunities that I had as a child. Not my exact set of experiences, but the creative experiences that are right for them.” - Rachel Boyack, MP for Nelson
Art and creativity are catalysts for change
Art helps us imagine a better future. In times of disruption and uncertainty, creativity offers a way forward. Whether it's through storytelling, activism, or reimagining public spaces, art has the power to shape our future.
Speakers talked about the challenges of living in a rapidly changing world and about how when times are tough, investing in creativity offers hope for building empathy and social cohesion.
"In times of change when there is revolution in the air… we can be like possums in the glare of the lights and talk ourselves into all kinds of challenges... OR we can embrace the opportunities, embrace the passion, embrace the power of people in our community and we can drive change… that’s the opportunity of the arts and creativity!" - John Allen, outgoing CEO of WellingtonNZ
“As a writer, as a creative, now it is more important than ever that we make work that speaks to the world in which we are living. And not just reflecting how it is now... but also the world we would like to see.” - Victor Rodger, playwright, producer, actor and journalist
“Creativity is a way of inviting us into grey spaces. Where we can sit with the feeling of not knowing something. …inviting us into the unending mystery of what it is to be human.” - Jeremy Hansen, Director of Communications and Community, Britomart Group
"Sometimes in our lives we drive rough roads. When was the last time you engaged in creative practice? When was the last time you supported creative practice to provide our nation with opportunities to realign? Then we will see a return to what Cook wrote in his early journals; a nation living in abundance." - Rob Ruha, musician and Arts Foundation Laureate
What next?
At its heart, All in for Arts is a celebration of the power of art, reminding us that creativity is good for all of us.
MC and Arts Foundation Kaiwhakahaere Jessica Palalagi ends each event by reminding people to use their vote and their voice with central and local government decision makers. She encourages everyone to invest in the arts – whether with money, time and energy.
As the conversations continue, we encourage you to spread the word about the need for more support for New Zealand art and artists. Continue to advocate for the arts and encourage friends and whānau to embrace creativity in all its many forms.
In the words of one of our speakers: “If you have resources, share them. If you have a platform, use it.”
All in for Arts has been running since 2020 as a partnership between Creative New Zealand and The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi. You can listen to all the talks on the All in for Arts podcast, on Spotify
For more inspiration, check out the following resources:
- Explore Creative New Zealand’s new campaign Creativity makes us – Auahatia! Watch and share the campaign video and follow @creativitymakesus on Instagram
- Watch the Arts Foundation’s updated short animation on why the arts matter to New Zealanders
- Dive deeper on how and why the arts are funded in New Zealand with this explainer comic by Toby Morris
- Find out more about the latest economic data, recently updated by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage
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