Creative NZ To Invest $1.9M In Touring

Arts development and investment agency Creative New Zealand is investing NZ$1.92 million ($1.66 million) over the next three years to encourage national touring of contemporary New Zealand music, theatre and dance.

A recent review by the agency identified lack of touring opportunities in music and dance as an ongoing issue.

“In our small country touring is essential for maintaining and increasing audiences for our arts companies and for sustaining the life of a new work beyond its first season,” said senior manager Cath Cardiff.

A pilot touring initiative, the Regional Presenters Fund, “had some success,” said Cardiff, “(But) it became clear that our funding would be better directed towards supporting an agency that proactively worked in the sector with companies and venues to resource ‘tourable’ work which could reach a broader audience.”

In September, Creative New Zealand will call for proposals to establish a touring agency by March 2015. It is expected to support and manage tours to main and regional centres in collaboration with the sector including arts festivals.

Additionally, it will continue to support touring through its grants and investment programs and through the Maori Arts Presentation Fund.