How arts players would slice the cake

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Labour has promised a new vision for the arts - and an extra $25 million over the next three years. What do the people working in the sector want?

Jonathan Alver, general director, NBR New Zealand Opera:

Most important will be recognition of the arts as a vital part of society with advocacy at the highest level. As to funding, the most important is the security to plan well into the future. We need to book artists up to three years in advance. If we knew the funding levels for those years we could plan with confidence.

Lloyd Williams,general manager, Auckland Philharmonia:

The Auckland Philharmonia needs realistic public funding. We can no longer perform miracles. We receive only 22 per cent public funding. We must receive at least 40 per cent in order to survive in our present form. An extra $1m a year will allow us to survive, an extra $2m would allow us to develop.

Michael Parekowhai, teacher and sculptor:

It's a pity it's not like sport and we're paid a salary to do the things we do well. Putting visual artists on a salary would be really good. So would assistance from government for specific projects.

Simon Prast, director Auckland Theatre Company:

More funding would enable Auckland Theatre Company to restart education and new work programmes that provide employment and training for tomorrow's artists and audiences. More funds would enable us to travel productions to towns starved of theatre.

Joan Rosier-Jones, national president, Society of Authors:

Put Author's Fund on statutory basis and set book rate at a level which properly compensates authors. Make public libraries free again.

Rodney Wilson, director Auckland Museum:

Central Government financial support must continue for significant capital development of museums and art galleries outside Wellington. There must be more support for the care and display of nationally important collections whereever they are, and for education and training.