Wellington City Council to invest in ‘decade of culture’

Wellington will enjoy a refreshed and reinvigorated arts, events and culture scene as a result of a $127 million investment from the City Council over the next 10 years.

Explaining the investment, Wellington Mayor Justin Lester advises “we need to invest in our creative sector at all levels, from big international events through to grass roots projects.

"That will help us create jobs, bring world-class acts here, and attract and support talent, and will ensure that Wellington remains New Zealand’s creative capital."

$16 million is budgeted in the Council’s draft 10 year plan to deliver the ‘Decade of Culture’, supporting local arts events such as WOW, Visa Wellington On a Plate and the New Zealand Festival and also performing arts venues.

Mayor Lester adds “we want to present a refreshed arts and events programme which will ensure Wellington remains a vibrant and exciting city that attracts visitors and offers a high quality of life for residents.”

Venues will also benefit, with almost $111 million capital investment in strengthening and improvements to the Town Hall, St James Theatre and the home of the Wellington Museum - the Bond Store.

Wellington’s Associate Arts Portfolio Leader Councillor Nicola Young says that the arts, culture and creative sectors are the city’s point of difference, stating “from technology and innovation, through to arts and events, Wellington has the highest percentage of people employed in creative sectors in New Zealand and we hope this investment will keep people here and attract many more to our city.

"We know that Wellington’s vibrant and diverse arts and cultural life is seen as important by our residents, and the Decade of Culture will only add to that."

The draft 10 year plan document will be open for formal public consultation from 15th April.

Image: Event at Wellington's Shed 6.

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