Creative New Zealand backs study into options for new Dunedin performing arts venue

A plan to fund a major study into options for a performing arts venue in Dunedin is to be backed by Creative New Zealand.

Creative New Zealand will provide $120,000 towards a feasibility study that will map the current state of venues and present options for a performing arts venue in Dunedin. Their contribution adds to the Dunedin City Council’s $200,000 which was allocated for the as part of the 10 Year Plan.

As part of its support for Dunedin theatre, Creative New Zealand will also provide funding of $100,000 per annum for two years towards new works by established theatre practitioners in Dunedin.

This will be added to the $95,000 per annum of funding ringfenced by the Council. The combined fund will be allocated through the Council’s usual grants process.

Councillor Aaron Hawkins, Chair of the Council’s Community and Culture Committee, commented "during the 10 Year Plan, council made a commitment to professional theatre in Dunedin, in both the short and long term. It’s great to finally have a process signed off for theatre funding over the next three years. Beyond that, we’re now getting the larger piece of work underway to build a more sustainable performing arts sector. ”

“We’re delighted to have Creative New Zealand as a partner for this important next stage. We have the opportunity to examine not just the performance spaces our community needs but the operating models to support them.”

Creative New Zealand Senior Manager, Arts Development Services, Cath Cardiff added “we are very pleased to be working with the Dunedin City Council to support theatre in Dunedin.

“The feasibility study is an exciting opportunity to explore options for a venue that can present performing arts into the future. We are also committed to supporting local theatre projects while that work is being done.”

With Dunedin’s Fortune Theatre having closed in May, in June the Council’s Grants Subcommittee awarded two grants to theatre projects. The New Athenaeum Theatre received $25,000 to support their programme, and Prospect Park Productions received $10,000 to develop the 4x4 Playwrights Initiative (formerly hosted by the Fortune Theatre).

The DCC has issued tender documents and anticipates being able to appoint an independent company to do the feasibility work before the end of September.

This will enable the study to be completed in 2019.

Image: Dunedin’s Fortune Theatre which closed in May.