The Ministry for Culture and Heritage has today published a discussion document as part of its review of the New Zealand professional orchestra sector.
A review was announced last year with the aim of assessing whether the current funding structure and model provides the best delivery of orchestral services to New Zealanders.
Funding for orchestras is provided by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage for the NZSO and through Creative New Zealand for four regionally-based orchestras, the Auckland Philharmonia, Vector Wellington, Christchurch Symphony and Southern Sinfonia. In all government invests over $17 million a year in support for orchestras.
The terms of reference for the review were published in October last year. Input from the orchestras themselves, an external reference group and an international expert has informed the discussion document.
Reference group chairperson Peter Biggs said the review had canvassed a wide range of views and had actively sought to involve as many orchestra members as possible.
“This has been a thorough process that has resulted in a robust and well-informed discussion document. The reference group would now like to encourage people to make submissions for further consideration.”
The discussion document outlines three main challenges for the orchestra sector within an environment of static government funding: changing community needs and expectations, financial pressures and the need to clarify the government funding model.
Four scenario options are put forward, outlining different governance, management and funding models.
Submissions on the discussion document now close on Sunday August 26 2012.
Full details, including a submission form can be found at http://www.mch.govt.nz/orchestra-review
