You can read the full business case here.

Business case overview

Written in 2023, the business case presented in this document outlines a proposal for the establishment and funding of a national network of regional arts organisations (RAOs) that would provide critical backbone infrastructure support to the arts, culture and creativity sector. 

Te Tiriti considerations underpin this business case and a partnership approach would be taken to ensure the proposed RAO model is equitable in its provision of culturally appropriate infrastructure support for Māori. Where appropriate, this would include resourcing kaupapa Māori entities and whole-of-sector RAOs to work in partnership to best meet the needs of the communities in their rohe.

A core annual investment of new funding would resource a network of RAOs comparable to the scope and scale of the Regional Sports Trusts (RSTs), which have a comparable remit to:

• Provide strategic leadership and activation

• Strengthen sector infrastructure, connectivity and resilience 

• Build capacity, capability and development pathways

• Increase participation and enhance wellbeing through quality events, programmes and activities.

As a core principle, the proposed funding would represent new investment into the sector for new capacity i.e. not a redirection of funding already tagged to support artists or arts and culture organisations.

Context for this business case

This document presents the case for sustained national investment in the establishment and ongoing backbone funding of RAOs. Case studies and financial analysis provided. A range of contextual factors have created opportunity for deeper consideration of the case for national investment in RAOs, including:

Major threats to the financial sustainability of the sector and key sector infrastructure, including:

• The end of Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage’s arts and culture covid recovery funding in 2024

• The draft Auckland Council budget which has served to highlight the fragility of regional sector funding and strategy development.

• Creative New Zealand’s commitment to review its funding model and the way it supports sustainable sector development.

• The announcement in Australia of A$286m investment over four years in arts and culture through its Revive National Cultural policy, which recognises the importance of First Nations arts and culture, supporting artist development and building strong cultural infrastructure. 

The RAO model would deliver a range of critical outcomes for the arts, culture and creativity  ecosystem, including:

• Increased and inclusive participation in arts and culture activity

• Enhanced community wellbeing (belonging, identity, mental and physical wellbeing, social connections and cultural capital)

• Thriving regions (community pride, cultural identity, economic development)

• Intergenerational transfer of mātauranga

• Relevant, collaborative and activated regional arts and culture strategy that centre te ao Māori

• Strengthened capacity and capability (artists, arts sector organisations/professionals and community arts volunteers)

• Sustainable employment pathways 

• Strengthened partnerships and connectivity