Today we launch New Mirrors - a major research report by Rosabel Tan (@incorrect_pin) and I on how we can strengthen arts and culture media in NZ, commissioned by @CreativeNZ. We unpack why we have a national deficit in arts coverage and how we can fix it. https://t.co/HMFgSpwnfI

Here's my annual reflection on events and shows from Aotearoa's theatre scene over 2024, beginning with the sad news about the closure of Tim Bray Theatre Company and what this means for our community.

Is this the best we could hope for under National (plus one particularly hostile coalition partner?) Maybe. It is huge that it is happening at all. But contradictions between this strategy and actions in education, local Gov and Te Tiriti.

For a Government whose answer for most things is 'we need to grow the economy', it makes sense that the topline is all about exports, soft power and growth. Underneath are many useful ideas, but the strategy underplays the wider social potential of arts and culture.

We're getting a new creative and cultural strategy for NZ - Amplify. National's Paul Goldsmith is fronting it, aiming to position NZ as a "global creative powerhouse." The draft is out now - can we make it better? My analysis for @ConversationEDU:

OPINION: Arts educator Dr. Kerryn Palmer lays out the reasons why the highly-regarded programme should be revived and calls for action from the creative community. https://t.co/gg4pLZVKTV

@JamesWenley Arts are essential to enhance a well rounded academic program. Creativity increases critical thinking. Music and mathematics go together.

@JamesWenley @vlcnz How boring. We had a teacher who taught us art appreciation which I’ve been thankful for my whole life. She also had us voluntarily back for half the lunch hour learning thorium’s. Brilliant teacher who knew that sparking interest in one subject has a flow on effect in all areas.

@JamesWenley Music is maths made fun

@GrantRoydhouse @JamesWenley You do need both. I was useless at art and music, but it was a break from theory. Education needs to be well rounded. High school you need options

Why not an hour of reading, writing and maths, with arts everyday? @PaulGoldsmithMP @EricaStanfordMP @chrisluxonmp

If the Gov is serious about raising maths and reading achievement, they should be INCREASING arts in schools, not weakening it. Research shows students score better at math when they do music. Arts keeps kids coming to school. Arts boosts creativity and critical thinking.

"In relation to Israels military operations in Gaza, we conclude that Israeli authorities are responsible for war crimes.. including extermination.. murder, using starvation as a method of war, forcible transfer.." The UN Human Rights Council report published today is damning.

“My wero is, if you want to bring folks together and magic them to feel something, anything, at a time where the government is tūtae-ing on our heads, maybe write a play about it?” — Dr Nicola Hyland https://t.co/IkcjPHbfYC

Budget day Arts report: - $80 million cut out of multi-year operating budget for MCH. This is the money spent outside of crown agencies (CNZ etc) and is 16% off their bottom line. Will mean job losses and a big chunk out of the MCH budget to promote NZ arts and culture overseas.

Remember the artist basic income trial in Ireland? 1st results are out: participants are spending more time on their creative practice (extra 8hrs a week!), are more financially sustainable, and this leapt out – less likely to be experiencing depression.

All my Writers Festival dreams are coming true - also appearing on the 'Creative OE' panel with Chris Tse, Jan Kemp hosted by Alice Snedden https://t.co/FJeyn5TWx0 AND performing at Streetside

I'm giving a masterclass at @AklWritersFest Sat 18 May on 'The Art of Theatre Reviewing'. Great for anyone who wants to try reviewing, or even have deeper conversations about theatre! https://t.co/WRnxtwCE80

Maybe the new @NZStuff TV news could try something different and have a nightly arts and literature news segment. Needn't be long, even 3 minutes would be more than we usually see at the moment (unless a NZer wins the Booker), and lots of people would watch just for that.

I have written to Wellington Rep expressing my concerns, copying in @EquityNZ. Equity has excellent 'Safe Stages' resources and recommends groups have clear and accessible anti-harrasment policies and complaints procedures as part of a prevention approach.