A keen supporter of the arts in Central Otago is calling for signatories to her online petition.

Loretta Bush’s petition, which has more than 1,800 signatories to date, demands immediate reinstatement of core funding for the Arts On Tour New Zealand Trust (AOTNZ).

AOTNZ brings high quality performances in music, theatre and other arts to regional and rural NZ. 

Central has seen quite a few of its productions since it was funded in 2005 including works by actor Michael Hurst, violinist Fiona Pears and performer Penny Ashton. 

“I feel really strongly we need this in the community,” Loretta, a volunteer on the Alexandra Community Arts Council, said. 

“There’s no way we can bring artists of this calibre to the area without the support of Arts on Tour.”

Some of the AOTNZ programme for 2023

The funding cut to AOTNZ has gone largely unnoticed as media focused on the defunding of the Shakespeare Globe Centre of New Zealand, with the government eventually stepping in and finding funding from another source.

That’s what Loretta wants for AOTNZ.

Her petition is directed at Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni. 

“It’s no good sending it to Creative New Zealand because they won’t review their decisions.”

The Christchurch-based AOTNZ has had regular funding on a three-year cycle in the past but is now reduced to applying for annual grants creating uncertainty about its ability to deliver its programme. The advisory body deciding the funding is largely made up of Auckland-based representatives.

The cuts make no sense to Loretta. 

“It’s good bang for buck for Creative NZ as AOTNZ works on a shoestring budget and tours are supported by many volunteers in small communities who find the venues.”

Local events have had audiences of as many as 150 people, “all people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to these cultural performances”.

The funding cuts will affect Alexandra, Cromwell and the Teviot Valley. AOTNZ will only be able to complete the first four tours of 2023 based on their existing funding. 

Arts supporters can add their voice to Loretta’s petition online.