Spark Arena proactive on new external-venue funding

Spark Arena has reached out to other Auckland city venues to offer funding for local shows as part of a new support initiative.

The arena's new CBD Venue Support Pilot Project has already distributed $100,000 to five venues through a community events fund.

The project focuses on independent local venues that specialise in live music, comedy and other performance-based events, to create a more accessible environment for local performers.

The Classic Comedy Club, Ding Dong Lounge, Mothership, Neck of the Woods, and Whammy received funding for essential equipment, including gear, sound and lighting systems, and DJ mixers.

The fund is administered by a committee which includes representatives from Spark Arena management, Ngāti Whātua, Tataki Auckland Unlimited and independent members.

Ding Dong Lounge was equipped with guitar amps, drum hardware and other backline gear to make playing shows for local and touring artists more accessible.

Ding Dong Lounge entertainment manager Andrew Treeby emphasised the importance of their funding.

“Backline gets used heavily and wears out quickly and replacing or upgrading isn't cheap. In tougher economic conditions, prioritising this kind of investment is difficult when dealing with rising operational costs.”

He says he knows how funding makes a huge difference to bands and musicians.

“Small venues like Ding Dong Lounge are where bands cut their teeth, and anything that makes putting on a show easier, directly benefits the wider music community.

"This fund has helped ease that pressure and allowed us to improve the experience for both artists and audiences without passing those costs on.”

Treeby also says funding should extend beyond Auckland to provide support for more performers.

“While increased awareness would certainly help, I also think support like this should extend beyond Auckland CBD. Artists who go on to do big things come from all over Aotearoa, and the venues that support them early on exist right across the motu.

"If we want a healthy music ecosystem, those spaces need backing too, not just venues in Auckland.”

Spark Arena’s PR team said the committee shifted its approach to a proactive one because not many people were aware of the fund.

“The most recent review led to a deliberate shift in approach: rather than waiting for applications to come in, the committee has moved toward a more proactive model, actively encouraging eligible organisations to apply.”

A statement on behalf of he committee acknowledged the importance of New Zealand artists and how the local music scene had developed.

It said the committee developed the Pilot Project to emphasise community welfare with a considered, case-by-case approach.

“Applications can range from a single one-off event to longer-term programmes of activity, and the committee's approach is flexible enough to accommodate that range.

“[The Pilot Project] directs fund support toward improving artist experiences at independent music and comedy venues around the city center - recognising that a healthy, vibrant local venue ecosystem benefits the whole community.”

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