Dear Supporter,
Creative NZ goes into damage control
We've spent the last week on social media releasing examples of bizarre art projects <[link removed]> given taxpayer money by Creative NZ as part of a $16 million COVID-19 response (I've linked to my favourites at the bottom this email).
Talkback hosts Mike Hosking (clip here <[link removed]>) and Sean Plunket (clip here <[link removed]>) seized on the issue, and their callers are spitting tacks.
Last night, the agency finally cracked under pressure. But instead of defending the bizarre grants, it attacked us for what it called a "low blow"!
Here's their full public statement:
Creative New Zealand is proud to tautoko dedicated, hard-working artists, bolstering a sector knocked to its knees by the impact of COVID-19.
We work to encourage, promote, support and advocate for the arts for the benefit of all New Zealanders — from Bluff to Cape Reinga and beyond, through projects of all shapes and sizes, communities and cultures, glitter and all.
We’re really shocked and disappointed at recent low blow targeting of artists we’ve funded – we stand by them and our decisions. We don’t condone attacks on the arts whānau, or anyone for that matter. To the arts community and supporters: We’re with you, and we value your mahi.
They just don't get it. We're not targeting artists – we're targeting the out-of-touch bureaucrats who waste taxpayer money on weird pet projects.
Creative NZ's attempt to defend themselves is going badly. Take a look at the comments slamming the agency on their own Facebook post <[link removed]>.
I joined Magic Talk again today <[link removed]> to discuss the drama – and this time, the CEO of Creative NZ fronted up to make his case.
In the interview, the CEO admits that artists don't even need to live in New Zealand in order to be eligible for taxpayer funds. Indeed, a number of the grants we looked into were for artists based overseas.
The CEO also admits he doesn't know what an 'indigenised hypno-soundscape' is – despite spending $50,000 on one.
Listen to the second half of this clip to hear the trainwreck interview. <[link removed]>
We're proud of our efforts to shed light on how taxpayer-funded agencies spend our hard-earned money. With the Debt Monster forecast to grow to $150,000 per Kiwi household in 2034, our job is more important than ever.
To chip-in to our campaign effort – to hold the likes of Creative NZ accountable for how they spend your money – click here <[link removed]>.
Thank you for your support.
Louis Houlbrooke
Campaigns Manager
New Zealand Taxpayers' Union
<[link removed]>
<[link removed]>Facebook links to share Creative NZ grants:
To research and write the first draft of a novel about male affection in hypermasculine spaces. <[link removed]>
AWARDED: $13,000
Towards the composition, recording and production of music inspired by the psychogeography of the West Coast. <[link removed]>
AWARDED: $34,900
To support the personnel costs and post-production editing for an art documentary based on Papua New Guinea tattoo practice and revival. <[link removed]>
AWARDED: $27,500
Towards one phase of illustrating a biography of Leonardo da Vinci. <[link removed]>
AWARDED: $21,080
Towards writing a children's picture book (text only) about sustainable community activist Helen Dew. <[link removed]>
AWARDED: $3,200
To create and develop an online publication, arts learning resources and musical content based on children's drag theatre show, The Glitter Garden. <[link removed]>
AWARDED: $18,000
To create a new series of collaborative quilts with my mother, textile artist Cynthia Johnson. <[link removed]>
AWARDED: $17,850
Towards the composition and instrumental arrangement of 10 songs for children, from ideas given by children. <[link removed]>
AWARDED: $24,600
Towards a live event watch party and livechat with fans online. <[link removed]>
AWARDED: $24,153
Towards writing poetry that explores indigeneity and love in the time of climate change. <[link removed]>
AWARDED: $17,798
Towards writing a novel about the collapse of democracy in an association of alpaca breeders. <[link removed]>
AWARDED: $26,000
Towards a dance concept video showcasing the impact Coronavirus has had on the New Zealand Chinese community. <[link removed]>
AWARDED: $24,500
Towards the development of a first draft of a play that explores the menstrual cycle. <[link removed]>
AWARDED: $16,766
To record and livestream a performance from Fat Freddy's Drop. <[link removed]>
AWARDED: $44,007
Towards an Indigenised Hypno-soundscape to take you to the imagined worlds of our Kōrero Pūrākau. <[link removed]>
AWARDED: $49,999
Towards development of a movement technique that guides and empowers the participants in becoming specialists in their own body. <[link removed]>
AWARDED: $4,530
Towards 3 x hour-long live-streamed electronic music performances with live visual animations, from a kitchen in Paekakariki. <[link removed]>
AWARDED: $47,703
Towards composing and recording ten original compositions inspired by emotions felt during the Covid-19 lockdown. <[link removed]>
AWARDED: $8,885
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New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Inc. - 117 Lambton Quay, Level 4, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
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