Financial support for a thriving performing arts scene

Auckland City Council's support for the performing arts continues this year with significant grants being made to three of the city's major providers of opera, orchestra and theatre.

In the 2007/2008 financial year, the council will grant the following:

$105,000 to the Auckland Theatre Company
$75,000 to the NBR New Zealand Opera
$500,000 to the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.
The chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee, Councillor Penny Sefuiva, says the council is a proud supporter of the performing arts.

"A thriving and diverse performing arts scene brings considerable economic and social benefit to the city.

"These three flagship organisations make a vital contribution to Auckland's cultural infrastructure and play a crucial role in defining us as a vibrant and creative Pacific city.

"The council is pleased to invest in the growth and continuation of these cultural assets, and to nurture and cultivate our musical and theatrical talent.

"We do what we can to ensure that both Aucklanders and visitors to our city can enjoy these cultural experiences," she says.

The council has a three-year funding arrangement with the Auckland Theatre Company and provides ongoing funding to the NBR New Zealand Opera.

The council is a major funder of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Trust, and will follow last year's $750,000 grant with the $500,000 this year.

Auckland City Council strongly supports the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Bill, which would give sustainable and equitable funding to groups such as NBR New Zealand Opera, Auckland Theatre Company and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and other valuable regional organisations.