Creative New Zealand recognises the role of the arts and artists in New Zealand society by nurturing and supporting every imaginable kind of artistic activity and organisation.
Creative New Zealand has been allocated $21.3 million in funding from New Zealand Lotteries for 2006/07.
This funding enables Creative New Zealand to foster excellence and creativity in the arts, by supporting thousands of arts projects throughout New Zealand.
A report commissioned by Creative New Zealand in 2006, New Zealanders and the Arts: nga iwi katoa o Aoteoaroa me nga mahi toi, found that a staggering nine out of ten New Zealanders are involved in the arts as participants and/or audience members.
Creative New Zealand says this finding is "resoundingly positive" - it vindicates New Zealand's significant investment in its arts and artists.
The report also found that 84 percent of New Zealanders attended at least one arts event in the past year and that 76 percent believe the arts help define us as New Zealanders.
The report is intended to help arts organisations and arts marketers target their audiences more effectively and develop programmes from first-time attendees.
