As a result of two public meetings held to address the implications for the arts community under the Super City transition, a working group has been formed. Meeting attendees recognised that due to the rapid rate of transition, there is a pressing need for a representative group to act on behalf of the arts during this stage.

As a result of two public meetings held to address the implications for the arts community under the Super City transition, a working group has been formed. Meeting attendees recognised that due to the rapid rate of transition, there is a pressing need for a representative group to act on behalf of the arts during this stage.

The working group’s purpose is to represent the issues and concerns of the arts sector across the region in regards to decisions and developments, and to ensure that the value and support of the arts remains prominent, and is not put to one side.

The group will receive information from arts practitioners and organisations throughout the region, which will cover the wide range of arts disciplines. They will then take the concerns and issues raised to the appropriate parties – for example the ATA, local MPs, and other politicians.

The group intends to be transparent, with any results of meetings and consultations being made available through various channels, most notably the Creative People’s Centre and The Big Idea. These organisations will act as conduits, passing information between the community, the working group, and the decision making bodies.

Those selected as representatives are: James McCarthy, Director of Te Tuhi Arts Centre, Maggie Gresson, Executive Director of Artists Alliance, Candy Elsmore of Arts Regional Trust, Anne Rodda - General Manager, Auckland Writers and Readers Festival, NZ Sculpture OnShore and Director of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition; and Louise Evans of the Creative People’s Centre (who will be bringing information and results out through the CPC website.)