Whakatāne Arts, Culture, Creativity Strategy
Arts, culture and creativity plays a vital role in enabling thriving communities, and are so important to our sense of identity, wellbeing and hauora.
We've worked alongside Whakatāne District Council and other creative bodies to developed Whakatāne very first district-wide arts, culture and creativity strategy to help guide, direct and support their investment in the arts in the short, medium and long term.
What is the Arts, Culture and Creativity Strategy?
The Arts, Culture and Creativity Strategy - Te Rautaki Toi, Ahurea me Auahatanga will guide Whakatāne District Council’s future investment in the arts throughout the Whakatāne District. It is reflective of our communities, our people, our history, identity, the uniqueness and beauty of our land, sea, and skyscape. This strategy / rautaki provides a framework that will encourage, enhance, and support us all to have different and new conversations about our past, present, and future through various forms of expression and creativity. Arts (Toi), culture (ahurea) and creativity (auahatanga) play a vital role in enabling thriving communities, social cohesion and connection and are important for our sense of identity (tuakiri), health (hauora) and wellbeing (oranga).
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Why ?
Investing in arts, culture, and creativity is investing in people. Everyone can benefit from the art, culture, and creativity around us. This strengthens communities, improves the environment, and supports the economy. The Whakatāne district is full of talent and potential. We want to showcase and integrate art, culture, and creativity in our communities' future.
WDC received funding from Creative New Zealand to develop this strategy. They worked with tangata whenua to ensure it represents and includes our communities across the district.
The journey:
Over the past 20 months, WDC engaged in face-to-face conversations through workshops and community events with over 70 artists, practitioners, creatives, and volunteers. They listened to challenges, opportunities, dreams, and gathered ideas. From the feedback, themes and trends emerged. They have distilled these into priorities and actions to recognise and value the role of arts, culture, and creativity in our lives.
We as a community organisation thank everyone involved in discussions and workshops, as well as those who advocate for arts, culture, and creativity in their careers and organisations. It is because of your passion and advocacy that WDC present the Arts, Culture, and Creativity Strategy to you.
