Funding cuts hit home as arts grants drop

An arts programme for young people excluded from mainstream education has had its funding applications rejected this year.

Nga Rangatahi Toa, an arts mentoring and transition programme based in Auckland, missed out on Creative New Zealand’s annual grants.

Founder of Nga Rangatahi Toa, Sarah Longbottom, said it is part of the flow-on effect from funding cuts due to plummeting Lotto sales, and it would have a major bearing on the work of organisations like hers.

“The immediate effect is not getting funded for projects . . . The general effect is having to rethink the service that we provide to marginalised youth."

Even for organisations and individuals who do receive grants this year, funding is at a newly reduced rate.

“Arts grants are normally $65,000, but most people who are funded through the grants are hovering around $15,000 to $20,000,” said Ms Longbottom.

Creative New Zealand are tasked with the role of offering the grants, but Ms Longbottom said it’s important to note that Creative New Zealand are not “the bad guys here”.

“The people who work there are arts advocates. What's happened is a reflection of the policy of how the arts are funded in general by the Government.”

Jacinda Ardern, Labour’s spokesperson on arts and culture, said the Government must stop thinking that the arts are simply “the icing on the cake”.

“It's constantly been treated as a 'nice to have', rather than acknowledging its economic, social, and community contribution.

“I get really angry when I hear people taking a narrow view of what this sector provides for our community and what we lose.”

Ms Ardern said she understands why the arts are not prioritised by some, which is why we need more recognition of its social and community value.

“I understand acutely these other competing issues around things like child poverty. But governments are never single-focused entities.”

Speaking at last month’s fundraising event The Arts Are Not a Lottery, Basement Theatre’s Sam Snedden said the reliance organisations have on lotteries money, which contributes 70 per cent of funding, is inherently problematic.

“We're in a paradoxical situation where we are relying on problem gambling continuing in order to fund an activity which is for the good and betterment of all New Zealanders."

Ms Longbottom said that despite losing a main source of funding, her organisation will continue in their work with marginalised youth.

“It’s unfortunate but I also see it as a challenge and an opportunity to open up those new avenues of funding. From financial capital also comes social capital, which is the most important thing for our kids.”