State of the Arts
TĀMAKI MAKAURAU SURVEY FEBRUARY-MARCH 2022
This report presents the findings from an online survey of those in the creative sector in Tāmaki Makaurau, between the period of February-March 2022. This is the third in a series of surveys intended to track the state of the arts sector in Tāmaki Makaurau; other surveys are being undertaken concurrently in other regions as well as a national survey. There were 229 respondents from Tāmaki Makaurau and the results from those respondents are discussed below.
INFOGRAPHIC
From the Tāmaki Makaurau State of the Arts Survey February – March 2022
key themes and findings
From the Tāmaki Makaurau State of the Arts Survey February – March 2022
- Tāmaki Makaurau respondents have shifted to become even more pessimistic about their financial position: Respondents rated their outlook on whether their creative work would support their financial position in the next 12 months. Compared to the September-October survey, pessimism increased from 55% to 65%, and optimism fell from 45% to 32%, indicating a declining trend in optimism since the initial June-July survey.
- Fewer respondents expected to either increase their current staff or contractor numbers, compared to the previous survey: The number of respondents who expect to take on new staff or contractors had decreased (from 44% to 25%) and those who expect staff or contractor numbers to stay the same or reduce had increased (from 34% to 42% and 11% to 19% respectively).
- Tāmaki Makaurau respondents’ view on achieving their creative goals shifted to become more pessimistic: Respondents rated their outlook on whether they would achieve their own or their organisations’ creative goals in the next 12 months (from 1 meaning very pessimistic to 6 meaning very optimistic). Compared to the September-October survey, pessimism increased from 41% to 50%, and optimism fell from 57% to 49%. This indicates a declining trend in optimism since the initial June-July survey.
- Tāmaki Makaurau respondents tended to report that audience appetite for their creative work had decreased: With 39% reporting audience appetite being less than usual, 26% reporting that it was the more than usual and 22% reporting that it was the same. Overall, the average rating was 1.9 out of 3 (from 1 meaning less than usual to 3 meaning more than usual). This is slightly lower than the average rating for September-October (2.0).
Respondents shared the things they were feeling most positive about in 2022 in relation to their creative work or the work of their organisation. The following themes were identified:
- Their creative practice and/or their ability to at least do some work.
- Audience enthusiasm for the creative industries including enthusiasm for Mātauranga Māori, international interest and potentially pent-up market demand for the arts.
- Having the time and space to develop new works, explore ideas or study.
- The lifting of COVID-19 related restrictions, for example, after the Omicron wave and returning to normal.
- The resilience of creative people and the sector.
- The potential for innovation and creativity and the creative sectors’ role to engage with diverse communities.
- The financial and government support they had received and their ability to keep creating.
- Other themes included: the intrinsic value of artists and creative activities; the opportunities created by digital platforms; the move towards indigenous frameworks and valuing Te Ao Māori and any opportunities for performing.