Who doesn’t love a feel-good story?

We see plenty in the movies - but not quite so many in real life these days.

During a time when artistically-minded people have never been more vulnerable, stories of heartbreak and disenchantment became the norm.

But there are a growing number of Aotearoa creatives who have found themselves remotivated and freshly inspired in their ability to live out their dreams - thanks to what has been a successful start to the Creative Careers Service (CCS).

Sparking a new level of support

Launched as a joint initiative between the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and Ministry for Arts, Culture and Heritage (MCH), five service providers across Auckland, Waikato and Nelson/Tasman were set up as pilot programmes in 2021.

The mission was not to teach creativity but to build sustainable, thriving careers through adding crucial tools to the kete of artists and creatives - the rarely-taught skills that play a vital part in building a business or a living.

The difference made so far cannot be understated - and there’s still so much more potential to deliver more career-changing support that can be achieved.

In all, they’re closing in on the major milestone of 1000 creatives registering through Wayfind Creative from Depot ( Central and North Auckland), The Big Idea’s Toipoto (East & West Auckland), Ngahere Foundation’s Tukua (South Auckland), Creative Waikato’s Elevate and Art/Work from Nelson’s Chamber of Commerce.

When asked about the impact of CCS, Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni - the Minister for both Arts, Culture and Heritage and Social Development - told The Big Idea “We’re committed to valuing the contribution creatives make to New Zealand’s wellbeing and economy. The Creative Careers Service recognises the importance of supporting people to pursue their creative ambitions - and to retain or regain employment without needing to go onto a benefit.

“The service has provided career advice tailored to the individual’s career aspirations, giving them an opportunity to extend their knowledge and gain sustainable employment in their chosen creative field.

“I’m pleased that participants have been able to develop their skills and talents, equipping them to work and thrive in the arts and creative sector.”

Polly O’Brien, MCH’s Acting Deputy Chief Executive of Policy and Sector Performance adds “Many participants reported making progress towards their creative career or business goals and developing new key business skills to manage their creative career effectively. Many participants also reported feeling more confident, connected and that they are doing meaningful work.”

An evaluation report is due next month - with many in other parts of the country hoping there is room for expansion of CCS. The pilot providers have also indicated there is a desire to use the strong foundation built over the last two years to grow this important initiative with MCH and MSD.

The rewards are already plain to see.

Careers made better

From painters to potters, sculptors to singers, actors to axe makers, blacksmiths to bookbinders and designers (graphic, fashion, interior or otherwise) - no creative field has been out-of-bounds for inclusion in the pilot programmes.

CCS is also helping bring a rising number of creatives from off the benefit and into a position where they can proudly support themselves and their whānau with their creative practice.

Completion of the programme is far from the end of the story - with mentoring and peer support networks building a sense of community and ongoing strength for those who have been involved. Many alumni have gone on to collaborate together and put on joint exhibitions - with their fellow ‘graduates’ turning out in force to support them.

Tatiana Hotere’s creative career has taken off since linking up with her CCS service provider Toipoto.

After joining the Toipoto movement, she completed her autobiographically-inspired play Skin Hunger, using her new tools to successfully crowdfund it through Boosted to make it a reality.

Her debut season at Auckland Fringe and subsequent follow-up at Q Theatre were met with sold-out crowds and have already garnered a number of awards, including the PANNZ Award that will see her continue her dream of touring the show.

“When I first joined Toipoto, I had a vision but was unable to create a more sustainable and financially viable career as an artist. With the input and help of my mentors - and through the workshops Toipoto hosts - I have developed and strengthened not only my vision for my creative path but also my abilities and skills. I now have the confidence and network connections to know I have what it takes to take my show on tour.”

Jesse Gibson (above) has had a similar experience in Tukua. The 23-year-old, Otara-based Samoan visual storyteller signed up to work out how his skills and passion as a videographer could transition into a full-time freelance career.

After just three months, he had learned how to create a business plan - specifically around pricing, invoicing and creating contracts with his clients - that transformed his professional ambitions.

The skills learned as part of Elevate’s programme have given Kyla Greening the self-belief to consider her music as a ‘real job’, releasing a single which is now beyond 30,000 plays on Spotify (with plans to apply for NZ on Air funding to translate this song into Te Reo) and working on an album release at the end of the year.

“Elevate helped me be more confident approaching music as a business and realising that I could make my craft my career,” Greening declares. 

Even experienced creatives have seen significant growth since being part of CCS. Sculptor Vicki Charles has been making ceramic art for 25 years - the last seven of them professionally - selling both nationally and overseas.

“The challenges I face is trusting my intuition,” she explains, “and also my business abilities. Art/Work has been fantastic for me.”

Charles expands that the programme has “Helped me map out goals and strategies and it's helped me expand my business in so many different ways. (Art/Work) has been able to communicate ideas and a balanced and proven business concept, which has also helped me move forward in my business.”

Being part of Wayfind Creative’s workshops and mentoring gave print artist and curator Ina Arraoui the tools to successfully access funding and sponsorship to establish Printopia - a successful 2-day festival that included 89 workshop participants, 12 print vendors at the fair, 24 participating artists, and 300 visitors.

“The passion and professionalism of the tutors, mentors and management at Wayfind went above and beyond what I expected. Each person on the staff genuinely wants everyone to succeed -  knowing that by uplifting each other we are making a more vibrant, connected city”.

With additional attention given to supporting mental health and wellness, providing long-lasting connections within the industry and making participants more accountable for their business ambitions - CCS has already made a significant impact on the creative community.

The scope is there for it to provide so many more ‘happily ever after’ moments if the initiative gets the green light to continue and - eventually - expand.