24 September 2002 Media Statement

Arts and culture briefing paper

Prime Minister and Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Helen Clark today released the post-election briefing papers prepared by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage and the arts organisations established by statute.

Helen Clark said the papers were useful backgrounders on the dynamic role of the culture and heritage sector.

“The government has a vision of a vibrant arts, cultural and creative sector. Apart from the sector’s intrinsic benefits, it also provides satisfying employment, and contributes a good deal to economic growth and prosperity,” Helen Clark said.

“That is why we have identified the creative industries – along with biotechnology, and information and communications technology – as areas for special focus by government.”

Helen Clark said the briefing papers confirm the significant role that the government’s cultural recovery package of May 2000 played in providing support for New Zealand’s cultural and heritage infrastructure.

The package provided a substantial increase in operational and capital funding to a range of arts and cultural organisations.

“The package has generated many exciting new projects in the arts sector, with the promise of more to come. The renaissance in the creative sector, promoted by the recovery package, was a personal highlight of the government’s first term in office.

“It has been particularly pleasing to see the international success of Whale Rider, the first film financed through the new Film Production Fund.”

The papers discuss a number of issues which the government may need to consider in the medium term.

These include support structures for screen production, the ability of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust to respond to the growing demands for promoting and preserving historical places and the development of digital policy.

Helen Clark said the government would continue to play an active role in providing for and nurturing cultural and creative expression.
“Our arts, culture and heritage define and strengthen us as a country, as communities, and as individuals.

“The government will continue to build on the already significant contribution that the creative and heritage sector makes to New Zealand’s economy,” Helen Clark said.

ENDS

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