1 Key aspects of the programme
Aim
The Cultural Diplomacy International Programme’s (CDIP) aim is to help establish and/or maintain a New Zealand cultural presence in key overseas regions or countries to boost New Zealand’s profile and economic, trade, tourism, diplomatic and cultural interests.
Objectives
The programme’s objectives are to:
- Contribute to growing New Zealand’s economic prosperity by presenting our culture to key audiences
- Project in targeted settings a distinctive profile of New Zealand as a creative and diverse society with a unique contemporary culture.
Principles
CDIP funded initiatives will:
- Link to economic outcomes for New Zealand
- Showcase cultural activity that is distinctive and contemporary
- Demonstrate collaboration between the four core CDIP agencies (see below)
2 How does the CDIP operate?
CDIP is administered by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage (MCH) and supported by in Inter-agency Steering Group made up of representatives from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and Tourism New Zealand (TNZ).
The Steering Group consults other government and cultural agencies and, on occasion, private sector interests, in order to recommend a programme of cultural activities to the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage. These activities must meet CDIP’s aims, objectives and principles, as described above.
The programme is not a fund to which organisations and individuals can apply.
3 Which region does CDIP focus on?
CDIP is primarily focused on the management and delivery of cultural diplomacy projects in the Asia-Pacific region. Recently, CDIP has prioritised its support for projects which particularly advance the Government’s NZ Inc strategies.
CDIP will continue to prioritise proposals from Asia. It is a region that closely aligns with New Zealand Inc objectives and strategic directions (including the burgeoning relationship with China) and where cultural diplomacy is a way to cultivate ties, foster understanding and long term relationships and build a platform for business interests. Reflecting the importance of cultural connections between New Zealand and China, as exemplified in the 40th year anniversary year of diplomatic relations between our two countries, CDIP has funded three projects in China in 2012.
CDIP funding decisions also give priority to leveraging off existing, big events where multiple activities can be clustered by taking a New Zealand Inc approach, rather than smaller one-off events.
CDIP support for the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany in 2012 is an example of this approach. CDIP involvement in the Frankfurt Book Fair enabled New Zealand to take advantage of a unique, once in a life time opportunity to present New Zealand to an international audience.
Similarly, in 2011 the Rugby World Cup (RWC) provided an exceptional opportunity to meet the CDIP’s objectives within New Zealand, capitalising on the presence of large numbers of influential visitors and world attention in New Zealand. For 2010/11 and 2011/12 the programme’s focus was adjusted to priorities activities in New Zealand in support of the REAL New Zealand Festival. All such activities were assessed against CDIP objectives and principles.
4. What are the funds spent on?
CDIP funds support the presentation of New Zealand cultural activities in the selected region. Funding support may included include costs associated with publicity, media, catalogues, translations and administrative support.
