Creative New Zealand has recently released the findings of its 2020 New Zealanders and the Arts - Ko Aotearoa me ōna Toi research. Many councils contribute resources into the arts for the benefit of their communities and this new research indicates how much New Zealanders value this investment.
The three-yearly research looks at New Zealanders' attitudes towards, attendance at and participation in the arts. It is the only longitudinal study of its kind in New Zealand.
A summary of the key findings is available here.
Of particular interest to councils, the research shows:
- 40 per cent of New Zealanders say the arts are important to their personal well-being.
- 66 per cent of New Zealanders agree that arts and culture have a vital role to play in the future of where they live.
- 54 per cent of New Zealanders agree that their community would be poorer without the arts.
- 54 per cent of New Zealanders agree that their local council should give money to support the arts.
- 66 per cent of New Zealanders agree that major arts facilities are important to create a vibrant place to live.