Making cultural experiences not only better but more enjoyable for audiences, creating opportunities to participate in arts, and improving chances of sales for artists and designers are just some of the ambitions of the Arts Conference organisers.

The 3rd biennial Arts Conference taking place in Rotorua on October 12 and 13 will bring together entrepreneurs and arts marketers together with designers, artists and arts managers working in arts delivery, community development and participation.

Conference coordinator Kiri Jarden refers to Statistics New Zealand data from 2003 which showed that New Zealand households spent around $41.6 million a week on cultural activities. “This included hiring DVD’s, buying design services, antiques and artworks, going to the theatre and cinema, taking arts and cultural courses and so on. What data likes this does is quantify the value of the creative sector to the economy. And, it isn’t inconsiderable,” says Ms. Jarden.

“To a regional economy like Rotorua, the cultural sector is an important historical contributor to the economy,” Ms. Jarden adds. “This today involves Maori cultural experiences, the Rotorua Museum of Art and History and the more recent addition of the Rotorua Arts Village which supports community participation and education in a broad range of arts and culture. And this is repeated, albeit with different foci, all over the country.”

The Conference programme covers business basics for artists, resourcing the arts with an organisational focus, and looks at emerging media, including a keynote presentation from innovative design business Ponoko co-founder, Derek Elley.

“While community arts may not be top of the list when thinking about the creative economy, community arts delivery is an important part of the cultural spend. From libraries, to community art centres, to events and projects which support a whole plethora of interests.

“At the core of this economic view of the arts are the individuals and organisations making or enabling culture to happen. So from the Conference point of view, sharing practices and strategies for improving or enhancing what we do, is the point of the Conference,” says Ms Jarden.

“It all potentially adds to better experiences for the audience, more work purchased, and more enjoyment of a day, a week and can certainly make an impact that lasts a lifetime.”

Further Information

The Arts Conference
October 12-13 2009
Millennium Hotel
Rotorua

Kiri Jarden
Rotorua District Council
Phone 07 350 0209 xtn 8154