Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Arts capital urged not to rest on its laurels

Updated at 9:40 am on 8 October 2010

The Lonely Planet calls Wellington the 'Arts capital of New Zealand'. But the Wellington Employers' Chamber of Commerce says the city must not rest on its laurels.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast, who is seeking a fourth term in office, says further funding for the arts could come from a proposed regional levy, where all councils contribute to important arts events and organisations.

For her, boosting the arts starts with growing the economy.

Mayoral challenger Jack Yan says he would not spend anymore money on sculptures and monuments the city doesn't need.

He says he would start with fresh branding for the city and help artists market themselves.

It's the big events that bring the most visitors and cash into the city.

Events like the World of Wearable Arts bring $15 million to the city and the 90,000 visitors to a Monet exhibition at Te Papa spent nearly $35 million over three months.

But, Positively Wellington Tourism says more work needs to be done to bring events to the city over the quieter winter months.

Another contender, Celia Wade Brown, says she would support a proposed national mayoral arts forum.

She would review how much the council spends on the arts - at the moment it's just 4% of the annual budget, or $15 million.

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