Nelson City Council developing first arts strategy in over 12 years

Public consultation for Nelson City Council’s first arts strategy for more than a decade is now open.

It has been over 12 years since the council developed an arts strategy, and the industry has since been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The council hopes that this new strategy will support innovation and creation in the city over the coming decade and realise the full potential of Nelson’s creative sector.

Deputy mayor Judene Edgar and councillors Pete Rainey and Tim Skinner are guiding a working group that is developing the strategy.

“A new arts strategy is important to ensure we are supporting and growing the social and economic benefits of art and creativity for the whole community, and being smart about how to get the most from our creative sector,” Tim says.

The council’s work will be supported by local strategy firm O’Donnell & Co with lead facilitators Johny O'Donnell and Ali Boswijk.

“Creativity is not a discretionary activity, it's the cornerstone of our economic development. Our region already enjoys enormous benefits from the work of the creative sector, but for creativity and the arts to truly thrive - we need to build the underpinning infrastructure and culture that can foster a space where creativity can flourish,” Johny says.

The public is invited to contribute their thoughts to help shape the city’s new arts strategy. Anyone can learn more and have their say at www.createnelson.nz.