January 30, 2014
New structure for arts council
Te Waka Toi is no more.
Parliament last night passed the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill, which will replace the Maori arts body, its parent Creative New Zealand and the Pacific Arts Committee with a single 13-member Arts Council.
That council will include at least four members with knowledge of Maori Arts, te ao Maori and tikanga Maori, who will be appointed in consultation with the Minister of Maori Affairs.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Christopher Finlayson says by getting rid of the previous overly complex structure, the Arts Council and its staff will be able to put their full focus on the arts and artists.
He says it ensures that Maori and Pacific arts are represented at the top table when decisions are made.
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