Views sought to shape arts policy

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Toi Wairarapa co-ordinator Mena Antonio puts questions to Jeremy Logan on the streets of Masterton this week. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Toi Wairarapa co-ordinator Mena Antonio has been hitting the streets this week, looking for residents' views on arts, culture and heritage in the region.

She is carrying out a Wairarapa-wide survey to get a picture of the creative sector.

"We are looking for who is participating in arts, culture and heritage, and their attitude towards the arts," she said.

The three Wairarapa councils' combined arts, culture and heritage strategy 2005 was due for review this year but they decided on a survey instead.

It will help Toi Wairarapa plan for the future, see which areas can be improved and assess how well it is going at the moment.

Mrs Antonio said it would also help them find out how best to use their resources. She said there were creative groups that did not get the funding needed to develop.

"There's people developing their own theatre, these are things that don't really get funded.

"There's a huge gap there for people who want support for film, theatre, even venues."

She said there was also a gap for youth to participate in the arts outside school.

Mrs Antonio has been in Masterton and Carterton and is surveying other towns today and tomorrow.

Every respondent goes into a draw to win a three-day family pass for Wings Over Wairarapa 2015, worth $200.

Toi Wairarapa, the Arts, Culture and Heritage Trust is funded mainly by Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa district councils to help develop and promote a creative economy for Wairarapa.