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13 Feb 2020

Creative Waikato Board in support of RNZ Concert

Art is powerful and we’ve seen, a hundred times over, how one piece can inspire and transform.

Recently, RNZ proposed major changes to RNZ Concert which we believe will have a detrimental effect on the arts in NZ, not just in the world of classical music. RNZ Concert provides a vital living archive of NZ music and is a critical piece of infrastructure that nurtures a whole ecosystem of musicians, composers, arts managers and the like. Plus, the station also contributes strongly to the identity and wellbeing of thousands of listeners young and old.

The Creative Waikato Board have sent a letter in support of RNZ Concert to the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister and Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage and the Hon Kris Faafoi, Minister of Broadcasting.

“The changes as they have been proposed will have a devastating impact on the mahi that is being crafted by composers and musicians in Aotearoa. The changes undermine the growing profile of composers, orchestras, musical ensembles of all genres and our talented pool singers and soloists. RNZ Concert has long been at the heart of arts and music in NZ and the work it does works to serve audience development, passion and involvement in the arts, and serves to maximise the impact of the investment made by the government in the arts. It provides insight, reflection and capability development for artists in this country, as well as providing access to New Zealand music and live performances to listeners both within this country and abroad” – Amanda Hema, Chair of Creative Waikato Trust

You can read the full letter of support here.