Museums and galleries take a front-seat in the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage’s just-released strategy for the sector, says CEO of Museums Aotearoa, Sarah Maguire.
Museums Aotearoa, the peak body representing public museums and galleries has welcomed Amplify: A Creative and Cultural Strategy for New Zealand released by the Minister in Auckland today.
“Amplify acknowledges museums and galleries as critical partners for government,” Sarah Maguire says.
“The strategy moves past the tired narratives of arts, culture and heritage being a ‘nice-to-have’ and gives voice to the many ways we contribute to Aotearoa’s economy and society.
“The strategy’s recognition of the contribution museums and galleries make to education and tourism is promising. Working with us on the role museums and galleries can play in education is smart.
“Our members are at the coalface – their expertise delivers substantial value to students and teachers. What’s more, we know young people make important decisions about their future, inspired by what they see and learn at museums and galleries.
“We strongly support the view business and trade could be better leveraged for the arts.
“Tourism is the biggest driver of GDP that museums and galleries can offer on an ongoing basis. In so many of our communities, museums and galleries are the front-of-house for international tourists.
“If New Zealand is to grow tourism to a $5bn industry we need to grow visitation in the off-season. Our warm, family-friendly, all-weather venues are an obvious attraction and must be able to attract International Visitor Levies.”
Museums Aotearoa also supports the focus on new technologies, including backing industries like gaming.
“We understand the gamification of the gallery and museum experience provides a unique opportunity to bring more people into our spaces.
“Our members are not waiting for government to build out international partnerships that diversify their revenue streams. Many are already working with start-ups including Singapore born Hidden – which offers a custom-built treasure hunt for visitors played on WhatsApp.
“Lastly, we support a streamlined regulatory environment. The public would be amazed by the range of regulatory impacts on our sector that you’d never even think of.
“It is fantastic to see the Government committing to addressing the concerns of the GLAM sector in its Copyright reform process.
“Amplify details smart thinking that shows the Minister is across and responsive to the needs of museums and galleries,” Sarah Maguire said.
