“Over the past two years, the Arts Council has deliberately reset Creative New Zealand for the future,” he said.
“We appointed a new chief executive, worked together to develop a new long-term strategy, and have now aligned the organisation’s structure to deliver it. This is not a reaction to short-term pressures – it’s the implementation of a long-term plan.”
Public Service Association (PSA) national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said the decision was “out of touch”.
“This is a huge loss of highly experienced staff who help our creative sector thrive, from grassroots community projects to our artists making an impact on the world stage. Losing a third of them means less capacity to support the arts, no matter how the changes are dressed up.
“The arts sector will see it for what it is: another public agency gutted while the Government squeezes public spending. You can’t grow the arts sector, and strengthen its contribution to the economy by hollowing out the very agency supporting it.
“In a week where we are mourning the loss of our greatest actor, Sam Neill, who got his start in New Zealand films the Government supported, this decision is so out of touch.”
Creative NZ chief executive Gretchen La Roche said the review was an important step to maximising the impact and support of the future of the arts sector.
“The arts and funding environment we’re operating in is dynamic and continually evolving, and it’s important that Creative New Zealand can respond to this. This review and change has been about ensuring we’re organised and resourced to deliver on our strategic priorities, and effectively support artists, communities and the wider arts sector into the future.
“We also recognise that change can create uncertainty. Our focus is on supporting our people through the transition and ensuring our work with the artists, organisations and communities we serve is maintained, including retaining valuable experience, expertise and institutional knowledge.”
Creative NZ said the new operating model “strengthens focus on five strategic priorities”:
Growing investment in the arts from a broader range of sourcesStrengthening arts sector capabilityBuilding public support for the artsBoosting international impactEmpowering communities by placing decision-making and resources closer to artists and communities
Last month, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith challenged Creative NZ to get an extra $4 million to artists as part of the restructure.