Arts Organisations’ vital impact on Wellington economy

Press Release: 24 February, 2011

New Survey Reveals Arts Organisations’ vital impact on Wellington economy

A new survey has revealed the multimillion dollar value of the arts to Wellington.

Late last year Arts Wellington – (the Wellington Regional Art & Cultural Development Trust) representing the majority of arts organisations in Wellington – conducted a survey amongst its members to establish the economic benefits of the arts in Wellington. The survey revealed that collectively the 40 organisations participating in the survey contributed $141.5 million of operating expenditure. This spending supports 2041 jobs, providing $58 million in direct household income through salaries, and a further $83 million in operating, marketing and facilities expenditure.

The Chair of Arts Wellington, Lyndsey O’Reilly, said: “This new survey provides compelling evidence that these 40 arts organisations not only contribute significantly to the vibrancy of the city, but also provide very meaningful economic benefits.”

The research showed there was a high level of participation in arts and cultural events. A total of 5272 different performances or events were delivered in the preceding year – reaching an audience of more than 2.7 million people. For every full time equivalent employee in the 40 organisations, 2434 people benefited from an arts experience. Nearly 2000 volunteers donated 66,692 hours, themselves benefiting from the diversity of experience, the fun of participation, and development of professional skills.

However the report revealed 75% of the organisations believed that their sources of income were at risk, particularly from funding sources such as corporate sponsorship, central government (Creative New Zealand), non-government grants and programme generated revenue.

“On average organisations considered that nearly a quarter of their income was at risk,” Lyndsey O’Reilly said. “In this environment it’s more important than ever that we pull together to ensure Wellington retains its standing as the Arts and Culture Capital.”

Being home to the country’s major arts organisations is also vital to the region’s $1.4 billion per annum tourism industry, according to Positively Wellington Tourism Chief Executive David Perks. “Being the ‘coolest little capital in the world’ is about being a sum of parts, and the arts sector plays a pivotal role. The type and style of events Wellington is known for aren’t easily transferred, but they’re easily lost. That’s a position that others are waiting in the wings desperate to take from us.”

ENDS

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