The Mayor’s threat to the arts – “Don’t f**king come and talk to me, write a submission and make it clear that you value it.”
Ironically, Wayne Brown was recently enjoying the art at Toi o Tāmaki - Auckland Art Gallery when he said… “There seems to be a false perception that I am threatening to cut funding for the arts which is not true.” (1) Yet we all know this to be entirely true. The Mayor’s budget proposal clearly identifies “The reduction of arts and culture programmes” along with an extensive list of hugely valuable events, community services, funding for youth Centre’s and homelessness”. Also, and this is the area where our organization could see cuts, “The reduction of local board funded activities across all boards to save $16 million.”
The proposal has me fuming. On so many levels this recent and real threat cuts deep. Firstly, because it comes directly from a man elected to lead us with the compassion of an amoeba. A man, who, on a recent visit to devastated Muriwai residents swore and used the ‘C’ word in front of people who have just lost their homes. A man so self-assured he boasts that he wasn’t voted in due to his popularity but because he knows how to fix things. A certain type of politician using a certain rhetoric. One we all recognize. An ugly language that appears at the toughest times, so often used to push agendas through in a climate of uncertainty. Appealing to anxious people desperate for change. Be very careful! It is during these moments that irreversible damage can be done. I’ve seen British society decimated by similar budgets. If this one is uncontested then, before the mayor can get back to his golf, services will disappear and community spaces will be gone for good. That is why I appeal for your support.
Another reason I’m angry is because arts and culture is an easy target. We learn from a young age to place value on areas linked to perceptions of wealth and success. Arts and culture exist well outside the realms of what’s deemed ‘essential’. Politicians know that public perceptions about the function we serve are limited. A large majority will think of us as fair game. This is because they do not know our true worth, and who could blame them? Why would the public value something so commonly devalued and rarely celebrated? Instead, arts and performances are presented as luxuries that are a burden to hard-working tax payers. Because of these stereotypes we are used to struggling. Not in a romantic, Van Gough sense. More in a tired, financial slog sense. We’re used to worrying about funding and managing with limited budgets. That’s part of the parcel. We’ve accepted this. But we refuse to accept what limited resources we do receive being taken from us. For some of us it will be too much and signal our demise.
In an excellent recent letter entitled ‘We can (still) have nice things: on Auckland Council updated budget and directed cost-saving exercise’ Michael Wood writes… “The public realm is still here and it needs to be financially supported by public money for the sake of freedom and connection. For year’s we have worked to make our city open, and welcoming, a creative and vibrant place. Let’s not throw this out with the storm-water: we can still have nice things.” (2) But more than nice things, in fact, arts, culture and community spaces are crucial components of a functioning civil society. Most of you still reading probably agree. Those who don’t have probably rolled their eyes and scrolled on to something shorter, or perhaps, more cheerful. I appreciate that we’d all rather read a good news story right now or perhaps watch a funny cat. I recognize that this is a difficult time to ask people for their help. But some things really do matter. They are worth taking some time to save. And If you do support arts and culture, you need to do more than just read this - see below ‘Have Your Say’. For those of you who need more convincing please read on.
I represent a community arts facility in West Auckland called Kumeu Arts. It is a place where people come to meet and connect with others, create, learn, give and have fun. We host classes, exhibitions, concerts, markets and many other events. Not only do we foster the arts but we meet many other cultural and community outcomes. We also hire our venue to other agencies, including social welfare and health groups. Although we fall into the category of ‘arts and culture’ our function is far greater than it may appear on the surface. That is why even if you don’t support arts and culture in general you must try to look beyond the rational benefits of our services. There you will find many other crucially important functions hidden below the surface. In a recent survey when asked what people come to our facility for – 51% said learning, 60% inspiration, 43% said fun, 37% well-being, and 36% companionship or socializing. These stats come from a huge range of people - not just posh people who want to paint pretty pictures, but people like you, and your whānau. The secret is that arts and culture are just one small part of why people take part in places like Kumeu Arts. Put simply, people really like other people! And this is the key to the success of all publically funded facilities like ours. Surely, you will advocate for people?
Still not convinced? Then take someone else’s word for it. Bernie Harfleet’s tireless work with Give a Kid a Blanket provides him with ample opportunity to see first-hand what our community needs. Bernie writes in support of us “While Kumeū Arts provides opportunities for all. I do particularly applaud its place in encouraging the young to explore through art and creativity, and as a place for senior community members to gather, socialise and create.” And, the same is true of so many other spaces under threat from the mayor’s proposed budget. Bernie continues “I am aware that at the time of writing this letter, Centre’s of art, culture and creativity are under threat as Auckland City Council look to deal with a huge short fall with its operational budget by making dramatic funding cuts. How terrible to think that communities might lose places like Kumeū Arts and alike that play such important roles in the places we call home.” (3)
I cannot understate the importance of providing safe community spaces to come back to after recent stresses. Facilities like ours are extremely well-placed to help support people. People need stability and continuity. What maddens me, even more, is the timing of this threat. Politicians know that there is currently a mental health crisis in Aotearoa. They also know that our services are beneficial to well-being and mental health. Studies prove that involvement in the arts and social interaction improves people’s quality of life. Not only is it immoral, but it also makes no economic sense to remove spaces that help prevent further damage to our society. Progressive thinking would see us mitigate risk rather than attempt to pick up the pieces when we fall apart. Everyone who uses our facility, whether young or old needs a place to go to where they can feel part of something bigger. We were here for people after the isolation of Covid. We are here for local people, right now, after the recent weather events. We want to be here in the future.
If we lose facilities such as this one, we’ll rip the heart and soul out of communities. “The arts breathe life into a city, give it colour, soften the ugliness of everyday living in a cost-of-living crisis, by reminding us that shared joy and laughter makes a city liveable. Literally hundreds of studies worldwide report on this vital role of the arts in making the everyday struggles of urban living more bearable.” (4) We all understand the need to recover deficits. We are all having to tighten our belts. And yes, I’m aware that the proposal will affect many sectors, not just arts and culture. So, how do we recover the debt I hear you ask? I’m afraid I am not an economist. I don’t have an easy answer but I do know this as a rash and flawed budget. And, I’m pretty sure Auckland Council could look further into their own expenses to make additional cuts. The Mayor’s annual salary perhaps?
Recovery is not selling off your first aid kit and the resources you have to cope with hardships. Disinvestment in community facilities is illogical because the needs will still exist even without them. Facilities like ours only exist because of the demand for them. They run for the people, by the people. If Coivd taught us anything it is that we need each other. While the fallout from the pandemic provides an excuse to take back control in doing so the tools we have to face the next challenge will be gone.
So now we come to the bit where I ask for your support. But what can you do? Well in Wayne Brown’s own words (spoken at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki)… “Don’t fucking come and talk to me, write a submission and make it clear that you value it.” (1)
Have Your Say
https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2023/02/auckland-we-have-some-tough-choices-ahead/
Instructions:
· Click on this link - open it in a new window so you can refer to these instructionshttps://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/feedback-forms-annual-budget-2023-2024/survey_tools/annual-budget-2023-2024-feedback-form
· The crucial sections for the sustainability of Kumeu Arts are questions 1 & 5
· Question 1. Click - Do not proceed with some reductions and instead further increase rates and/or debt, or, Do not proceed with any reductions and instead further increase rates and/or debt
· Where it asks- Tell us why, and which reduction you would not proceed with, if any: This is where you can say why you value arts and culture, and publically funded community facilities. Copy and paste from the letter above or use your own reasons.
· Question 5. Kumeu Arts Local Board is in Rodney – The Rodney Local Board have identified potential cuts to Kumeu Arts and Arts Centre Helensville
· Where they ask - If funding for local board activities is reduced, which three of our services do you not want to reduce funding for? (i.e. which are most important to you?) Click Grants for art Centre’s
· Where it asks - Tell us why these are most important to you: This is where you can say why you value Kumeu Arts Centre and the work we do.
Rodney Local Board’s Budget Proposal - Read more supporting information (pages 175-177)
References
(2) We can (still) have nice things: on Auckland Council updated budget and directed cost-saving exercise open letter by Michael Wood. Auckland. 11 February 2023
(3) Letter of Support for Kumeu Arts –Bernie Harfleet, CEO, Co-founder & Trustee of Give A Kid a Blanket, 11 February 2023
Words
Jago Neal - Not expressed on behalf of Kumeu Arts Inc.
Image
Holly Manning (Kumeu Children’s Art Club)
March 2023