If you listen to the nay-sayers, investment in the arts is akin to pouring money down the drain. 

But the just-released insights into a three-year, $18 million project designed to make creativity more accessible shows it has been money well spent.

Arts Access Aotearoa - the country's most outspoken advocates on removing barriers of participation for creative endeavours - have delivered a detailed report off following the conclusion of their Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage (MCH) project funding.

In 2021, the Te Tahua Whakahaumaru Creative Arts Recovery and Employment (CARE) Fund was launched as part of the COVID recovery programme. Running until December 2024, 53 creative spaces received funding to increase the reach and quality of their services  - as well as increase employment in the sector.

Why creative spaces matter

Creative spaces are community arts organisations, recognised as part of the social services sector and providing services that improve the health, wellbeing and skills of their participants, via skilled staff and volunteers from the arts, health, therapy and education sectors.

In particular, they support people who experience barriers to participation so they can create art or participate in artistic activities such as theatre, dance, circus, music, film and creative writing.

The report shows the fund's impact is nothing short of impressive.

Stunning stats

1.1 million people identify as disabled in this country - that's 24% of the population - and 2019, 11,000 people were estimated to have used the 67 creative spaces nationwide.

Fast forward to 2024 - that number's grown to an estimated 40,000 at the 53 CARE-funded spaces, along with an additional $120,000 whānau. That's a staggering 246% increase in people using creative spaces.

Among the statistics highlighted in Te kaha o ā tātou mahi | The Power of our work;

• 65 creative spaces delivering activity across 100 locations
• 1500 professionals employed by these spaces
• 40,000 people supported to participate in activities run by these spaces
• 587 participant volunteers
• 122 participants now employed
• 94 volunteers now employed
   

Wide-reaching benefits

Richard Benge, Executive Director of Arts Access Aotearoa states the investment has paid significant dividends for society by providing social, economic, health and wellbeing outcomes.  

“In economic terms, happier, connected people mean people making positive contributions to our society and fewer people in the health system,” Benge notes. "If the government wants to see a healthier, more resilient society, then it’s a no-brainer to provide sustainable funding to these community arts organisations.

“With this funding, creative spaces  expanded their services to accommodate the demand, reducing strain on other social services.

“It’s a win-win situation.”

Data gathered over the last three years shows that the highest percentage of participants attending creative spaces have a learning disability (22%), followed by people with mental distress (17%), vulnerable youth (15%), people experiencing poverty (12%) and isolation (11%).

Benge adds, “A creative space – or any other not for profit – can plan ahead when it has long-term funding. As this report demonstrates, security of funding results in positive outcomes and increased health benefits for participants. You only go forward. 

“Let’s take down the barriers so everyone can access and participate in the arts. Imagine a nation where all people can embrace their creativity and are secure in their cultural identity."

Proof of impact

When reading through Te kaha o ā tātou mahi | The Power of our work, the testimonials alone are a stirring example of why this kaupapa is so important and how transformative the arts can be.

Romayne was one of 228 rangatahi attending Auckland's Crescendo over a six-month period. “I was quite lost. I wasn’t sure what to do … I didn’t have a passion for anything. Through Crescendo, I have learned that even the most out-of-tune instruments can create a beautiful melody. It’s not about music, it’s about people and connection.” 

Artists in the Making and Te Mana Tangata, (Whitianga and Coromandel Town) states “Beyond the creative practice, our spaces nurture social bonds, providing a space to interact, kōrero and build connections over shared activities. Participants leave each session with new skills, new friendships and a profound feeling of belonging.” 

Hamilton's Arts for Health Community Trust catered for 1965 participants over six months, noting it's “a place where you see children, teens and young people in their 20s mixing and conversing with people in their 80s, encouraging each other and creating a sense of community and wellbeing through engagement in the creative process”. 

Feitan, a participant in Artsenta's extended programmes through Dunedin and several towns in North and Central Otago, declares  “One of the most special parts is the support of the group and knowing that you’re not alone with what you’re going through.” 

An artist taking part at Toi Ora in Auckland beams “The feeling of safety and non-judgemental acceptance is powerful and uniquely liberating. Toi Ora has been life-changing for me.”

Two new choirs were formed by the Canterbrainers to build improvements in participants speech and breathing. One member enthuses “I enjoy it. I’m just very, very happy. I can’t wait for the next week.” 

From Pablos Art Studios in Wellington, an unforgettable comment from one of the participants: “I felt at home immediately. I felt I had found my tribe. I can confidently say that Pablos has saved my life.”  

Jacob Levington, a dancer and tutor at Christchurch's creative cornerstone beams “I am proud to have a paid job as a teacher and to go to Scotland to take my work over there to share my culture and my family. Jolt is my family forever,” 

MCH reaction

MCH's Secretary for Culture and Heritage Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae is singing the praises of the report.

“Funding allowed the spaces to increase services to meet the high demand, and had so many benefits for staff and participants – particularly on their mental health and wellbeing. 

“Funding of creative spaces not only created more jobs, but provided career development opportunities and supported career pathways, including for artists who had previously been participants or volunteers. Many of the creative spaces have used those three years of investment to find new ways to support their long-term sustainability.   

"The funding gave creative spaces greater capacity to build relationships to help expand the reach of their programmes, and support different groups in the community to access creative opportunities. 

"Some spaces supported artists to sell their artworks, and even helped to develop their own small business enterprises."

Where to from here?

While this funding has been hugely beneficial to the community and sets the platform for more to benefit, the conclusion of the CARE fund comes at a time where the country is struggling on many front - including high interest rates and rising unemployment. 

The report concludes:  "There is an urgent need for the Creative Spaces Network (made up of 65 members nationwide) to work collectively with providers and other relevant organisations across the arts, health and education sectors, as well as with Arts Access Aotearoa.

"It is hoped this narrative can be used to help advocate for ongoing financial investment of creative spaces so they can continue to support people and contribute positively to society by creating work that allows us to imagine what is possible."

Benge expands “The data gathered in this report over three years, along with the individual stories, are significant. Although the funding has come to an end, Arts Access Aotearoa is proud of the way creative spaces have articulated the value and impact of their work.

“We will continue to support and advocate for them as they transition from the end of the multi-year investment to seeking sustainable funding alternatives.”