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Monday 1 December 2008
Measuring the Economic Value of the Arts in the Whangarei District
The arts are an engaging and sometimes contentious part of all society. Many people participate in the arts; singing, dancing, painting, carving, writing, to name but a few. However there is a common perception that the arts are a nice part of a community without adding value to the economy.
Nothing creates a public storm more than money being contributed towards arts activities which many perceive to be a waste of ratepayers dollars, such as funding towards a concert, or creating a public sculpture which many can’t see the value in.
Whangarei is an area rich in arts and cultural activity. We have more than our fair share of people who take part in arts activities, along with countless arts events each year. Many people make their living, or part of their living, from their art form, and many work in the arts, such as gallery owners or music shop retailers while others teach. All of which is generating contributions to the economy which added together are not amounts easily dismissed.
The question is how many dollars are actually generated through the arts sector? Hilary Sumpter, on behalf of Arts Promotion Trust is about to find out. Hilary is a former Arts Promotion Trust Director and is undertaking the research as part of her Master’s Degree from Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design.
An entirely anonymous survey will be available on the Arts Promotion Trust website for the next three weeks. This short simple survey is open to anyone who works in the arts, in the broadest sense of the word. Those who are opera singers, designers, actors, jewellers, potters, poets, instrument makers, glass blowers, gallery owners plus any other art form, then this survey is relevant for you. The survey asks questions such as, how much people earn, where they spend their money and staff or contractors they may employ. No data is identifiable so people can be as honest as they like without fear of anyone learning sensitive or personal information.
Similar to research undertaken for tourism and many other industries, the resulting information will allow those working in the sector to plan for growth and identify what areas, if any, need more development than others. The results will also aid in helping funders understand the value of investing in the arts and justifying the dollars granted to help with growth and making it a valued part of the community’s economy.
In light of the recent economic downturn, the information will be even more valuable as a means to argue for continued support and even greater investment. To be as effective as possible the survey needs as many respondents as it can get from the Whangarei District.
To help give the arts a stronger voice – complete the survey!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=lYdIL3ilM_2fxoSHL9HflTmA_3d_3d
For further details contact:
Hilary Sumpter
Hilary.sumpter@gmail.com
0274155121
Jenny Barrett
jenny@apt.org.nz / 09 430 6432
Author: Hilary Sumpter
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