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Attitudes, attendance and participation in 2006
Asian Aucklanders and the arts is a partnership research initiative by Creative New Zealand, Auckland City Council and ASB Community Trust. Please contact us for more information, and copies of this report and our other research documents. We also welcome your feedback on this research. Please email us at asianarts@creativenz.govt.nz Creative New Zealand Northern Region -Auckland T +64 9 373 3066 E northern@creativenz.govt.nz W www.creativenz.govt.nz Auckland City Council T +64 9 379 2020 E arts.planning@aucklandcity.govt.nz W www.aucklandcity.govt.nz ASB Community Trust T +64 9 360 0291 E reception@asbcommunitytrust.org.nz W www.asbcommunitytrust.org.nz
Contents
Foreword 2 Attendance 18
Creative New Zealand 2 Four motivating factors 18
Auckland City Council 3 Events with particular appeal 19
ASB Community Trust 3 Triggers to attendance 19
Acknowledgements 4 Barriers to attendance 20
Participation 21
Introduction to the research 7 Triggers to participation 22
Why we did the research 8 Barriers to participation 23
What we wanted to know 8
Sharing stories 27
How the research was
A snapshot of communities 28
conducted: methodology 9
Family stories 30
What we already knew:
A creative perspective 39
demographics 10
Artists’ stories 40
What the findings tell us 13
Looking to the future 47
An overview 14
Reference group reflections 48
Some key findings 14
An international perspective 52
Attitudes to the arts 15
Defining the arts 15 Using the research 53
Perceptions of New Zealand arts 15
Appendix 56
The role of the arts 16
What young people think 17 Useful organisations,
Different stages of the media and networks 56
migrant experience 17 Origami kiwi instructions 58
ASB POLYFEST Chinese Ribbons Dance Group from Epsom Girls Grammar School. Photograph by Chris Traill
Tēnā koutou me ngā ahuatanga ō te
wā. A tātou tini mate e hinga atu i ō
tātou kainga maha ō te motu, rātou
kua ngaro i te tirohanga kanohi haere
atu ra. Te hunga takimano, kua riro
ki te pō , te hokai a taiao, tauārai ō
te pō. Ko te tirama taipo kia rātou,
titoko ko te ao mārama ko tātou ko te
tirama taiao ki a tātou. Tēnā koutou,
tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa. Kei
raro ngā pitopito kōrero e pā ana kia
Creative New Zealand mō te mahitahi,
rangahau ki te taha ō te iwi whānui kei
Aotearoa e noho ana.
A LITTLE MORE LIGHT Groupe F, Auckland Festival, AK07 opening event at the Auckland Domain.
Photograph by John McDermott
Foreword Auckland City Council and ASB For Creative New Zealand, Auckland City Council Our aim is to nurture and showcase Auckland City Council’s policies to
Community Trust on this project. undertaking this research has been an Auckland’s creative talent and ensure achieve this.
Creative New Zealand, Auckland City exciting step in our ongoing work to Auckland City Council was pleased there are opportunities for all our
New Zealand is a vibrant, multi-
Council and ASB Community Trust engage with and develop opportunities to partner again with Creative communities to experience and
cultural society built on a bicultural
commissioned research company in the arts for Asian communities. New Zealand, and to be joined by participate in the arts. Our Asian
foundation. This multiculturalism is
Colmar Brunton in 2006 to undertake This report adds to a growing body of ASB Community Trust, in this communities are already involved
reflected particularly in Auckland,
qualitative research with Chinese, evidence that Creative New Zealand pioneering research project. in a broad range of arts and cultural
our most populated region, where the
Indian, Korean and Japanese is using to inform its work in this area. activities, and we are working
Asian Aucklanders and the arts
Asian population is growing rapidly. This research builds on what we
communities in the Auckland region. Next year, we will be undertaking directly with some of these
The aim of the research was to gain have already learned from the 2005 communities by supporting significant
A key priority for Creative both qualitative and quantitative
an understanding of how Asian Aucklanders and the Arts project – events such as the Auckland
New Zealand over the next three research on Asians and the arts as
peoples engage with the arts. that Aucklanders believe the greatest International Cultural Festival,
years is to work with communities part of our follow-up national study
Foreword
strength of our arts lies in our cultural Diwali Festival and the Auckland
throughout the country to enhance on New Zealanders and the arts.
The findings, presented in this report, diversity. The 2006 Census showed Lantern Festival.
their engagement with the arts, both
are an important first step in our Kia hora te mārino, kia whakapapa that Asian peoples now account for
2 as participants and audiences. Cr Penny Sefuiva 3
journey to connect with and support pounamu te moana, kia tere te 24% of the Auckland city population It is heartening that the research
This report is full of stories, insights kārohirohi. shows a high level of awareness of Chairperson
the various communities in the – a 44% increase on 2001.
Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee
Auckland region whose origins lie and examples that provide us with such events. However, we also face Auckland City Council
in the Asian region. an understanding of how we can The findings will inform our future ongoing challenges to break down
best support the artists, artforms and work to ensure Auckland City Council barriers to participation and increase
cultural traditions of this country’s has appropriate strategies in place to accessibility to our programmes
diverse ethnic communities. engage successfully with this rapidly and services.
growing sector of our community.
One of Creative New Zealand’s roles However, we hope the research will be We want to develop a culturally ASB Community Trust
Creative New Zealand is to work with arts organisations to inclusive city and this research
useful to other local authorities in the
build audiences for the arts and to Auckland region and beyond. supports our goal to use the arts as a ASB Community Trust welcomes
This research into Asian Aucklanders provide New Zealanders with greater tool to foster greater cross-cultural the opportunity to work alongside
and the arts will play an important access to the arts. The findings of this We also want to assist Auckland’s interaction. The arts can help bring Creative New Zealand and Auckland
role in helping Creative New Zealand research will be an important tool arts organisations to build on the different communities together to City Council on this exciting research
define, and work towards, a future to help reach Asian communities Stephen Wainwright ways they engage with and attract this share cultures and promote greater into Asian Aucklanders and their
vision of the arts for all New Zealanders. and increase their attendance of and Chief Executive
sector of the community through their understanding. I am sure this research attitudes to, attendance at and
We were delighted to work with participation in the arts. Creative New Zealand programmes and activities. will prove invaluable in guiding participation in the arts.
This research will inform our development. In the arts, we support Acknowledgements
programme development and help projects and organisations that foster
ensure that we can respond to access, engagement and cultural Helen Bartle ( Creative New Zealand ),
the growing needs of the diverse opportunities for all. Susan Brooker ( Auckland City
communities that make up Auckland. Council ) and Chloe Harwood (ASB
The Trust is researching each of
It is also hoped that the research Community Trust ) led this project on
the sectors it funds and this insight
will provide other community behalf of these organisations.
into Asian Aucklanders and the
funders with valuable insights into
Asian Aucklanders and the arts
arts will complement that work. Our very special thanks go to the
Asian communities and overcome
It has given us the opportunity seven members of the reference
barriers that stand in the way of their
to learn more about Auckland’s group: Kitty Chiu, Ruth DeSouza,
engagement with the arts.
diverse communities and will help Alistair Kwun, Melissa Lee, Dr James
This research was commissioned in guide our policy development. Liu, Dr Sapna Samant and Kentaro
recognition of the growth of Asian Yamada. Their knowledge, insights
communities within Auckland, and and generosity have been invaluable
4
we value the opportunity to engage in guiding this project.
with these groups and learn more Thanks also to Cath Cardiff of
about their histories, motivations and Creative New Zealand, who initiated
challenges. As a major community this project, and to the Colmar
funder in this region, our aim is to Brunton research team of Harry
enrich the lives of people living in Pappafloratos, Jon Carapiet, Debby
Auckland and Northland by working Giness and Carl Sarney.
in partnership with community
We would also like to acknowledge
organisations to achieve the widest
the input and support we’ve had from
possible levels of participation.
tāngata whenua. Most of all, we wish
To achieve our mission, we fund Jennifer Gill to thank the families, communities
community organisations across six Chief Executive Officer
and artists who took part in this
sectors: the arts, health and social ASB Community Trust research and provided us with such a
services, education, sport and rich source of information. These are
recreation, the environment and your stories and we greatly appreciate
heritage, and community economic the time you took to tell them to us.
DIWALI © Meng Cui (Sean). Source: Auckland Festival of Photography
DIWALI. Source: Auckland Festival of Photography
Introduction qualitative and quantitative research, What we wanted to know What is it that might stop them joining 7. What are the attitudes of younger and artists either in their homes or
to the research were published in New Zealanders and a book group or taking music lessons? people, under the age of 25, workplaces. Family interviews included
the arts: Attitudes, attendance and What do we mean by the terms Why might they see the arts as a hobby towards the arts? multiple family members and were
participation in 2005 and in Aucklanders “Asian communities” or “Asian rather than a viable career option? 8. What are the overall attitudes, conducted in English, with language
and the arts: Attendance, participation Aucklanders”? This is a very broad both positive and negative, towards assistance provided where necessary.
Among the aims of this research,
and attitudes towards the arts in 2005. term, a label we have used in this New Zealand arts and artists?
we wanted answers to the following This was a qualitative study to
Why we did the research As well as surveying adult
report to capture the individuals,
questions:
9. What are the attitudes, both
explore a range of perceptions
families and communities in Auckland positive and negative, to the
Asian Aucklanders and the arts
New Zealanders, this research 1. What do Asian communities and
Introduction to the research
and experiences. Rather than
Learning more about the diverse Asian whose origins lie in the Asian region. more traditional heritage arts in
included additional face-to-face individuals define as the arts? setting pre-determined definitions of
communities in the Auckland region New Zealand?
interviews with Māori and Pacific Auckland is a vibrant, multicultural 2. How do recent immigrant “attendance” and “participation”,
and how individuals, artists and families 10. How do perceptions vary towards
peoples to provide sufficient sample society and the home of Asian peoples communities engage with the arts those taking part in the research
engage with the arts in New Zealand the work of New Zealand-born
size for analysis. Young people aged from many countries. However, this in terms of attitude, attendance and were free to define and describe their
was the key focus of this research. artists and that of international
between 10 and 14 years were also research focused on Chinese, Indian, participation? engagement in arts-related activities.
artists who come to New Zealand?
The Asian population is the fastest interviewed. The research did not Korean and Japanese communities 3. How does this differ from more
8 Participants in the research were 9
growing segment of New Zealand’s look specifically at Asian peoples. – the ethnic groups with some of the established migrants and people
total population, with most of this recruited with the advice and support
This latest research, therefore, largest representation in the Auckland of Asian descent who are born
growth happening in Auckland. of the research reference group,
provides a vital snapshot into the population. or have lived most of their life in
Recognising the significance of this through personal networks and by
experiences of people living in New Zealand?
trend, Creative New Zealand,
Auckland who have diverse and often
In undertaking this research,
4. What arts activities, events How the research was telephone, using the ConsumerLink
Auckland City Council and ASB
deep cultural connections to Asia.
we wanted to explore three areas:
and organisations in Auckland conducted: methodology panel. Participants were assured of
Community Trust formed a partnership Asian peoples’ attitudes to the arts confidentiality.
Only qualitative research was under- do people currently attend and
in 2006 to commission research on the arts events they attend Creative New Zealand, Auckland
taken. At this stage, we were more participate in, and why? Sixteen families and nine artists
Asian peoples and the arts. the arts activities they take part in. City Council and ASB Community
interested in hearing the stories of our 5. What are the parental aspirations were interviewed. You can read some
Trust commissioned Colmar Brunton
In late 2005, Creative New Zealand survey participants than in knowing We were particularly interested in for their children in terms of arts of their stories on pages 28 to 45.
to undertake a qualitative study with
in partnership with Auckland City precise numbers of people engaged gaining insights into people’s cultural participation and attendance, and Ten community leaders were also
Asian peoples about their engagement
Council commissioned Colmar in any particular activity. That will heritage and experiences, and how why is this so? interviewed to provide background
with the arts in the Auckland region.
Brunton to conduct research on be the subject of a national follow- these influence their engagement 6. What are the main differences in and context to the interviews with
New Zealanders’ attitudes to, up survey to New Zealanders and the with the arts. What are some of the arts attendance, participation and In-depth interviews were conducted families and artists. Although
attendance at and participation arts research, to be undertaken by barriers that prevent them from going attitudes between the communities with Chinese, Indian, Korean and these community leaders were not
in the arts. The findings, based on Creative New Zealand in 2008. to a play, a concert or an exhibition? we talked to? Japanese families, community leaders the main focus of the research,
their comments added depth to the length of time spent in New Zealand. What we already knew: the Pacific population will make up
research and highlighted issues and demographics 9.1% of the New Zealand population
The community leaders were drawn
trends in their communities. by 2021 ( cf. 6.7% in 2001 ).
from a range of community groups,
The Auckland region recorded the
The families interviewed were: church organisations and other Other demographic trends, based on
strongest population growth ( 12.4% )
six Chinese ( Taiwanese, Mainland associations and societies. the 2006 Census, show that:
in New Zealand between 2001 and
China, Singaporean, Hong Kong ) They included: the Asian population in Auckland
2006, according to findings compiled
families four Chinese ( Taiwanese, City increased by 44% between
by Statistics New Zealand ( www.stats.
Asian Aucklanders and the arts
four Indian families Mainland China, Singaporean, 2001 and 2006, and is 93,522
govt.nz ) following the 2006 Census.
three Japanese families Hong Kong ) leaders ( 24% ) of Auckland City’s total
three Korean families. two Indian leaders The Asian population is growing population of 382,539
two Japanese leaders faster than any other ethnic group in the Māori population in
Family members included children
two Korean leaders. New Zealand with a 48.9% increase New Zealand ( 565,329 ) increased
between the ages of eight years
between 2001 and 2006. On Census by 39,048 ( 7.4% ) between 2001 and
and 25 years, and those who had All interviews were conducted
Day 7 March 2006, the number of 2006. One in seven people identifies
10 spent a varying length of time in between November 2006 and
Asian peoples living in New Zealand with the Māori ethnic group.
New Zealand. Some had spent more January 2007. Each family interview
was 354,552. Approximately two- the Pacific Island population in
than 25 years in New Zealand or were was approximately two to two-and-a-
thirds ( 234,222 ) live in the New Zealand ( 265,974 ) increased
born here; some had been living in half hours in length. Interviews with
Auckland region. by 14.7% between 2001 and 2006
New Zealand for at least 15 years individual community leaders and
while others had only been here for artists were approximately one-and- The Māori, Asian and Pacific Europeans now make up 67.6%
between eight months and seven years. a-half hours in length. populations will all increase their of the New Zealand population,
share of the New Zealand population followed by Māori ( 14.6% ).
The artists interviewed included: A reference group, made up of Those who identify themselves as
in the 20 years between 2001 and
three Chinese ( Taiwanese, seven members representing a range “New Zealanders” ( a new option on
2021. It is predicted that:
Mainland China, Singaporean, of Asian cultures and experience, census forms ) make up 11.1% of the
the Māori population will make
Hong Kong ) artists was also consulted during the project. population, followed by Asians (9.2%)
up 16.5% of the New Zealand
two Indian artists The group played a significant role in and Pacific Island peoples ( 6.9% ).
population by 2021 ( cf. 15.1%
two Japanese artists shaping and advising on the project.
in 2001 ) The number of New Zealanders born
two Korean artists.
the Asian population will make up in the United Kingdom and Ireland
These artists represented a range of 14.5% of the New Zealand remains steady at 6.6% while those
ages and artforms, as well as a varying population by 2021 ( cf. 7% in 2001 ) born in Asia stand at 6.5%.
DIWALI. Source: Auckland Festival of Photography
TURBULENCE The 3rd Auckland Triennial, Auckland Festival, AK07 at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Photograph by John McDermott
What the findings tell us New Zealand is the size and diversity Some key findings Lack of time and having no one In attempting to define the arts, there populations of many countries in Asia
of the Asian region. There are also to go with can be barriers to were comments about the difference and had some influence on interviewees’
It is important to remember that the
differences in the role of the arts in attendance and participation. between arts activities that: perceptions of New Zealand arts.
findings and perceptions outlined
the country of origin, the level of Not knowing about an event or an were seen as elitist and inaccessible
in this report are the result of a Typically, there was a sense that
funding for the arts and the scale of artform – and how to find out more versus arts that are more popular
qualitative study and cannot be seen New Zealand’s size means that the
An overview audiences. Clearly, language is also
to represent the whole community.
– is a common barrier to attendance and accessible
quality of the performances and level
an important factor in Asian peoples’ and participation. have a European or academic
A key feature of this research was the However, there were some clear of artistic skills may not be as high as
ability to engage with the arts in tradition versus contemporary art
Asian Aucklanders and the arts
huge diversity within and across the themes that emerged among the Younger Asian people are the international acts that come to
New Zealand. typically more engaged with new were seen as sophisticated and
What the findings tell us
groups we talked to. This diversity artists, families and community Auckland. Associated with this were
technologies, and have more “good” for you versus the arts that
and range of views were reflected in a There are, however, some common leaders we spoke to. several other perceptions, including:
exposure to new and evolving art are pure entertainment.
number of ways, including: threads that emerged both across opportunities – and audiences
These are some of the key findings. and artforms.
a desire to hold on to traditional the migrant communities and with One young member of a new migrant – for the arts in New Zealand are
The arts are seen as a part of
values and also to embrace the wider New Zealand community. Artists can feel branded as “Asians” Indian family even asked: “Is sport relatively small
everyday life.
contemporary values As revealed in the research report even though they may have been an art?”
14 Food, socialising and the arts are funding for the arts is more limited 15
the degree of exposure to New Zealanders and the arts: born in New Zealand and see
often entwined. Underpinning any definition of here than in some countries in Asia
New Zealand lifestyles and attitudes, attendance and participation themselves as Kiwis.
The arts create a sense of belonging the arts is a generational change career paths in the arts are limited
traditions, influenced by the length in 2005, people engage in the arts
and identity, passing on established in perceptions of what the arts are. and fewer artists can “make it”
of time interviewees had lived in for enjoyment, self-expression and
values and histories across For older generations, traditional or professionally.
New Zealand and been able to community interaction. They like to
generations. “high art” in the European academic
engage with the wider community attend arts events with their families The perceived lack of funding and
The arts bring communities together tradition defines what the arts are all
levels of income or their peer group.
and build bridges across cultures.
Attitudes to the arts about. As the arts evolve, pushing
limited career paths mean that some
stage of life, ranging from school interviewees felt that in New Zealand,
Throughout this report, we have Traditional Māori arts are seen as boundaries and incorporating new
children through to young Defining the arts people engaged more in the arts
highlighted a number of opportunities New Zealand’s most distinctive media, younger generations have a
professionals and the elderly in a voluntary or hobby capacity.
that individuals, groups and artistic expression. The term “the arts” can mean broader definition of the arts.
a wide variation of knowledge of A positive aspect of this is that
organisations may find useful when The boundaries between attending different things to different people,
the arts and particular artforms. participation in the arts as a hobby
they communicate with Asian and participating in the arts can be regardless of ethnicity. The
Perceptions of New Zealand arts was seen by some as less intimidating
For Asian peoples in Auckland – communities. blurred. interviewees’ responses to a question
than in their country of origin.
particularly those who were not born Proficiency in the English language asking them to define the arts reflected New Zealand is a small country with
here – one of the main differences can be a barrier to attendance and their diverse experiences, interests and a population of just over four million. There was, however, an awareness of
between their country of origin and participation. cultural traditions. This is in stark contrast to the dense some world-class New Zealand artistsand arts ( e.g. the films Whale Rider opportunities for cross-cultural and landscape, and a different kind For many of the people we interviewed, Dance is another artform seen as migrant and second-generation
and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and participation in the arts. of life. Pursuing their arts interests the arts also provide a cultural a way to help maintain cultural experience. In a globalised culture such
musicians Bic Runga, P Money, wasn’t a motivating factor. connection across generations, connection and also encourage cross- trends can be expected to continue.
Kiri Te Kanawa and Brooke Fraser ) within their own culture and with cultural interaction: for example, the
There also appears to be limited In some Asian cultural traditions,
although the range of awareness other cultures. They can create a combination of Bollywood, Pasifika and
exposure to Pacific arts. However, The role of the arts parental influence on young people’s
was limited. A quantitative survey sense of belonging and address some Māori dance moves with break dancing.
the Pasifika Festival in Auckland City lives may continue longer into the life
would be needed to identify the One particularly clear theme to fundamental questions. Where do I
was mentioned as a great opportunity Young people tend to have greater of an adult child than in some other
New Zealand artists that were known emerge from the research was that for come from? Which culture do I most
Asian Aucklanders and the arts
to experience Pacific arts. There was exposure to Auckland’s multicultural traditions. For example, many parents
to Asian peoples in Auckland. many Asian peoples, the arts, culture identify with? Where am I going?
What the findings tell us
also recognition of the strong family society than people from the older we interviewed expressed concern
and identity are inextricably linked.
Asked to describe what they saw as traditions in Pacific communities that Many also see the arts as a way to help generation. Children, for example, about the viability of a career as an
The arts are not regarded as a distinct
traditional New Zealand art, the reflected some of the values in some non-Asian New Zealanders understand have cross-cultural experiences at artist in New Zealand. Although
and separate practice but are a part of
interviewees mentioned traditional Asian traditions. more about their culture. “Kiwi people school on a daily basis and are more there is limited evidence of parents
everyday life.
Māori arts. Typically, there was limited generally have no idea about our culture exposed to the shifting values of actively rejecting artistic careers for
Underpinning some of the responses
exposure to Māori arts - particularly For many, the arts within migrant other than the food that they have tried contemporary society. In some cases, their children, there was little support
16 to perceptions of Māori and Pacific 17
contemporary Māori arts. Some spoke of communities play a vital role in at the numerous Asian restaurants in this can cause conflict within families for their children to pursue a career in
arts is the fact that New Zealand
the difference between what was termed bringing people together. Eating Auckland,” said one interviewee. about the continuation of traditional the arts.
is a relatively new country without
“high art” in the European academic together, sharing food and socialising values versus the adoption of new
the long histories and traditions of Few of the young people interviewed
tradition and traditional Māori arts with are all important cultural aspects of values in New Zealand.
countries throughout Asia. Because What young people think as part of the family expressed an
their roots in daily life and rituals. this and are closely connected to the
of New Zealand’s “newness”, it may Typically, young people are more interest in pursuing a career in the
way in which the arts are seen as a
appear to lack depth in terms of Shopping, computer games, hanging engaged with new technologies, giving arts. The arts were seen as an interest
part of everyday life.
Shared values historical and cultural richness. out with friends, sport, texting, music them greater exposure to new and rather than a sensible career path.
For some interviewees, Māori arts and It is interesting to note that Māori … all are activities that young people evolving art and artforms.
The strong sports culture in this
their values associated with ceremony, and Pacific peoples also see their in New Zealand enjoy. Younger Asian
country also creates an impression Different stages of the migrant
spirituality and family resonated arts, culture and life intertwined. “I people we interviewed shared many Among the under 25-year-olds
that New Zealand’s identity is experience
with their own cultural values and don’t think of it as the arts. It’s just of the same interests as other young interviewed, there’s a sense that some
expressed more through sport than
traditions. These shared values part of our culture,” said one Māori New Zealanders. Music, especially are now part of a new global The length of time that Asian peoples
through the arts.
may provide opportunities for arts interviewee in the New Zealanders and rock and hip hop, was seen as “cool”. community and not bound only to a have been living in Auckland has a
organisations to make connections It is important to note that many the arts research. A Pacific interviewee It plays an important part in their lives Kiwi or a country-of-origin identity. significant impact on their attitudes
in their programming and marketing of the migrants we interviewed had said: “In our culture, the things people and is seen as a way of encouraging As other studies have suggested, this and the way they relate to the arts in
of arts events. They may also offer moved to New Zealand for its lifestyle call arts are just part of life.” cross-cultural interaction. fluid identification is a part of the New Zealand.For some new migrants, attending having a more complete connection Four motivating factors Expression and communication Events with particular appeal because of the suggestion of videos
or participating in the arts is an with New Zealand culture and A fundamental reason for people’s and video games.
There are four primary reasons why Movies, comedy and festivals
opportunity to meet people at a traditions than newer migrants with involvement in the arts is personal
Asian peoples may be motivated to appear to have particular relevance Performances that portray the migrant
similar stage of migration and to share whom they might be confused. For expression and communication with
attend arts events. These are: and interest across the different experience – displacement, retaining
those experiences. However, for many some, this may lead to a sense of a loss others. This was also the case for the
maintenance of tradition and communities interviewed. However, and developing an identity in a new
new migrants to Auckland their main of their own heritage and a desire to diverse communities taking part in
culture the study revealed a wide variation land – have particular appeal for
focus is to settle, cope with a new reconnect with their communities. this research.
outward expression and in the level of interest in individual many communities. However, some
language, find work and schools for At the same time, they may also
Asian Aucklanders and the arts
communication artforms and a quantitative study expressed concern at the stereotyping
the children, establish a home and sense that they are being stereotyped Stimulation and fun
What the findings tell us
stimulation and fun would be needed to define this that can happen when the artists
create a circle of friends. This can as “Asians” despite their long-term The arts as a form of entertainment and
family involvement. interest more accurately. and writers have not experienced
leave little room or time to engage connection with New Zealand. stimulation is an important motivation
it themselves. Related to this was
with the arts. to attendance. This means that some Auckland has a tradition of promoting
Tradition and culture the desire to see Asian communities
arts events are competing with other and supporting large cultural festivals.
For longer-term migrants, the arts may This includes traditional storytelling portraying their own stories.
forms of entertainment, including sport, These have particular appeal because
have become a more central part of and plays, fine art paintings ( often
18 eating out, shopping and, for younger they are often: 19
their social life and circle of friends. with religious themes ), visiting
people, simply hanging out with friends. cross-cultural or showcasing a Triggers to attendance
They may have more time than when Attendance museums and engaging in craft shows,
The kinds of events mentioned in the particular culture
they first arrived and have a steady as well as heritage performance arts. There are many reasons why Asian
interviews were the free arts/cultural free or low-cost
income, enabling them to expand What makes Asian peoples attend The motivation here is to maintain a peoples attend arts events, including
festivals in Auckland, Cirque du suitable for all family members.
their engagement with the arts. arts events? Are their reasons for tradition and ensure cultural identity. a personal interest in a particular
Soleil, music concerts ( particularly
Of course, having more time and attending a play, a festival or an For some, this is about telling their For some of the people we interviewed, artform or performer. Other common
contemporary music ), multi-media
money will not necessarily motivate art gallery any different from other stories and making sure they are heard comedy can be a safe medium in triggers that emerged in the
events and video installations.
people to engage if they are not cultures in New Zealand? What are across the community and passed on which to both challenge stereotypes research are:
interested in the arts. the barriers that discourage or prevent through the next generation. and portray familiar aspects of a invitations
Family
them from attending arts events? culture. Seeing their culture portrayed international acts
For those who have been born in The Auckland Museum is seen as a The family is important in motivating
in a humorous and affectionate way happening upon it by chance
New Zealand ( the so-called 1.5 As already mentioned, the boundaries place where people can connect with Asian peoples to attend an arts or a
was seen as highly relevant. supporting your own
generation ) or have spent most of between attendance and participation a range of different cultures and their cultural event. As with other cultures,
a social excursion.
their lives here, the experiences and are not always as clearly defined histories. It was often mentioned as one doing things together as a family is Typically, there was little
relevance of the arts may be different for many of the Asian communities of the main places where different ethnic important. Activities that meet this understanding of what was meant by Invitations
yet again. These people may identify taking part in this research as they are communities are exposed to Māori need include going to the circus, video installations. However, some A personalised invitation can provide
as Kiwis first and Asians second, for more traditional Western artforms. traditional artforms and performances. musicals and the museum. younger people expressed an interest people with security and a senseof acceptance that they have been their own artists, whether they are traffic congestion, parking and Once at the event, programmes can Importance of peers predominantly Pākehā New Zealanders,
invited to represent their community friends, family or visiting artists from public transport issues. be an important information source The New Zealanders and the arts some interviewees thought they might
or simply join the community in a their country of origin. Knowing the to enhance the audience’s enjoyment research showed that “having stand out and not feel accepted. This
celebration or an arts-related event. artist can be highly appealing because Language and encourage future attendance. someone to go with” was an may simply be a perception or it may
of the social interaction and sense of The level of proficiency in the English However, this is not the case if the important motivator in attending be based on actual experiences of not
International acts community it may provide. language is an obvious barrier for language itself is a barrier. an arts event. Peer-to-peer being made welcome.
The arrival in New Zealand of a well- many Asian peoples and is not simply marketing strategies and word-of-
known international act, either as a about the difficulty of understanding Finding out about events mouth are powerful tools that arts
Asian Aucklanders and the arts
A social excursion A positive step
local hero from their country of origin Attending an arts or cultural activity a performance. It can also create Clearly, people can’t go to an arts organisations can use in engaging
What the findings tell us
or as a world-class performer, can barriers to finding out about the event if they don’t know about it. with Asian communities. Actions to welcome Asian audiences
is an opportunity to share time with
have great appeal for a community. event, making a booking and then Asian communities have important and participants may help reduce
family and friends, and to engage with
Sometimes the visiting act is only reading the programme when you networks that share information feelings of exclusion. These might
the wider community.
Perceptions about arts events be as simple as a greeting, a
well-known within a particular have arrived at the event. about activities, often via emails
community but this can still create and newsletters. Sometimes, these Events in Asian communities, both conversation or a personalised
Barriers to attendance Individuals and families with limited in their country of origin and in invitation to attend an event or take
20 a great deal of interest and drive networks are linked through a church 21
English tend to engage with their own New Zealand, often have a strong part in an arts activity. One way to
attendance through community Many of the barriers for Asian peoples organisation, an association or a social
language media, created locally by the social component. People eat, talk and deal with the language barrier is to
networks and word-of-mouth. attending arts events are similar to the group, or the school community.
community, or listen to broadcasts over move around, with the arts occurring liaise with community leaders
barriers expressed by people who took
the internet or other channels from their For families, schools are an important simultaneously as part of these social or networks.
Happening upon it part in the New Zealanders and the
country of origin. This means that some channel for information about arts and interactions.
Sometimes the key trigger to arts research: for example, having no
people are not getting exposed to some cultural events. Children can help with
attending an event is happening upon one to go with and lack of time. For some interviewees, therefore,
of the mainstream communications language and also act as a vehicle for
it by chance – particularly for festivals Other barriers include: the idea of watching a performance
promoting arts events in Auckland. communications about these events.
and some shows. This indicates a lack of knowledge of a particular passively and in silence can lack Participation
communication gap and the difficulty artform and not understanding its Informal word-of-mouth networks appeal. Indeed, there may be a fear
for some migrant communities, lingo ( i.e. the artform “language” Language options can also be an extremely effective of censure if a comment or action Church choirs, piano, violin, drumming,
especially for individuals with limited and idioms ) Making a booking for a show can way for people to find out about is seen by other audience members drawing, ikebana, eggshell carving,
English, in finding out about events. language be a daunting prospect for people events, as well as motivating them to as disruptive. calligraphy, animation, musicals and
the cost, which might include with limited English. More language attend. “If friends are into it, and you origami are among a wide range of
Supporting your own the ticket, getting there, and the options for people making online know what’s going on, and they want A sense of social exclusion was also traditional and contemporary arts
As with any community, many of the associated social activity such as a or telephone bookings would help someone to go with, they’ll tell it to expressed. By going to certain arts activities that interviewees said they
interviewees felt a need to support meal in a restaurant overcome this barrier. you and you go too.” events, where the audience is participated in.Some of the people we interviewed affiliation with a community group connections with their community – vitality of their culture and religious opportunity to enjoy a hobby in their For new migrants, in particular,
felt that community and voluntary arts involvement in church groups and at the same time maintaining cultural diversity. In some religious events, spare time and also maintain unique different priorities dominate their lives
events are more significant as a point religious festivals. values and sharing them with the next participation and attendance become cultural traditions. Sometimes, the in those early years after arrival.
of engagement than professional arts. generation. For example, a woman may merged experiences, intertwined as hobby is purely for its own sake but
One commonly expressed barrier is the
Chinese community belong to an ikebana group to maintain both family members and friends interviewees also mentioned that a
Because of the social role of the arts, issue of knowledge: not knowing about
For some members of the Chinese her friendships with other Japanese either perform or support those they hobby could create opportunities for
the boundaries between attending an an event or artform simply because it
community, practising the arts is seen women, as well as to enjoy an artform know who are performing. work or travel.
arts event and participating in the arts is unfamiliar; and not knowing where
she has a personal interest in.
Asian Aucklanders and the arts
can be blurred. as a means of “using the other side Some interviewees saw the fusion of to find out more or where to go to
of the brain” and developing self- “Koreans like learning. They are
What the findings tell us
Some interviewees mentioned the traditional and modern expressions of participate in a particular artform.
discipline. For example, learning to play compelled to learn things, including
Communication channels relaxed atmosphere and environment the arts as a feature of the arts in the
the piano or taking ballet lessons are learning artistic skills.”
A number of community associations in New Zealand, which made it easier Indian community. While traditional Underfunded and undervalued
seen as a means of self-improvement artforms enable people to maintain
and societies in the Auckland region to perform as a non-professional. Another common barrier to
and personal achievement. Interviewees also commented about
represent Asian communities. and share their heritage, this modern participation among the people we
the influence of peer pressure and
These can be important channels For some people originating from “You don’t need to be perfect to expression ensures that the artforms interviewed was a sense that the arts
22 collective activities. They said that 23
for communicating with these the densely populated centres of be able to perform in front of your are never dull and allows everyone to in New Zealand were underfunded –
Koreans were “more group-oriented
communities, encouraging arts Mainland China and Hong Kong, peers here.” become involved. a sentiment related to the view that
than Western individualism”. To be
attendance and participation, and participating in some arts activities the arts may be undervalued.
School events and dance competitions part of the group, they felt compelled
supporting what is already taking is more achievable in New Zealand. Formal invitations, either from the are seen as a way of building an to do the same activity as others. In particular, interviewees told stories
place. The appendix on page 56, Useful For example, having a piano in your Japanese Consulate or organisations awareness of some artforms, both within about people who participated in
organisations, media and networks, own home to practise on is easier representing the Japanese community, and beyond the Indian community. certain arts events as performers.
may be a good starting point. in New Zealand than in China and can be important access points for Barriers to participation
One family mentioned with pride that a Their efforts had received limited
Hong Kong because there are less participation in the arts. group of Pacific Island children had won What is it that discourages or prevents acknowledgement and token
space constraints. That said, the cost the Bollywood Dance Competition. For Asian peoples in Auckland from appreciation. Petrol vouchers and
Triggers to participation of a piano and paying for lessons may Indian community them, this signalled both an accessibility participating in arts activities? Cost, certificates of participation were
Across the communities, there are remain a barrier to participation. Creating and maintaining social and of the artform and a willingness to lack of time and different priorities often inadequate recognition of the
several common triggers that encourage community networks is often the key embrace wider participation. are some of the common barriers time, effort and skills involved in
arts participation. These include: Japanese community to participating in the arts for the emerging from the research – barriers participating in the event. They felt
exposure to the arts at school, For some people of Japanese origin Indian community. Across people Korean community shared by many New Zealanders, as that this could result in fewer people
combined with parental pressure living in Auckland, participating in of different age groups, there was a For people in the Korean community, revealed in the New Zealanders and participating in a particular artform or
to participate the arts is a way of maintaining social common expression of enjoying the the arts can be an important the arts research. performing in certain arts events.The costs associated with participation Language can also prove a barrier in
are also an important barrier. If there terms of accessing sponsorship and
is no or little external funding for a funding to participate in an artform
group or individual to take part in an or put on a performance. A number
artform, significant challenges may of times, interviewees mentioned
emerge in terms of finding a space for that they didn’t know where to go
practice, spaces for performances, for funding and support. And if they
buying materials for props, and even did know where to go, they found the
Asian Aucklanders and the arts
transporting or storing equipment. process difficult.
The cost of lessons was also
A final barrier that language can
mentioned as a barrier to participation.
present is trying to promote events
beyond their own communities.
Basic needs Typically, communities have their
Help with basic needs such as own communication channels such as
24
storage for instruments and costumes, email, posters and media. These can
transportation and affordable reach people within the community
rehearsal/performance space would in their own language but they do
support individuals and community little to reach the wider community or
groups to maintain and even expand other ethnic groups who don’t share
their engagement with the arts. that language.
Language Promoting an event
Not being able to read or speak A lack of English language skills
English fluently can be a barrier to may mean that some community
participating in the arts. In the first organisers and participants find it
place, it can be hard to find out difficult to promote their event to a
just what arts activities there are to wider community. Offers of help in
participate in. And then language can the design and implementation of
be a barrier to engaging in the artform communications may be valued by
itself and working with others. migrant communities.
LANTERN FESTIVAL © Caprice Roussell. Source: Auckland Festival of PhotographyPENUMBRA Auckland Festival, AK07 at Skycity Theatre. Photograph by John McDermott
Sharing stories interviewing process. However, it during the wave of migration in the motivated by the willingness to Auckland are important but there are become a sizeable community with
is important to remember that the 1970s, were perceived to be English- experience other cultures and an few newspapers or television or radio an established presence in Auckland.
following stories reflect individual speaking, educated and far less enjoyment of travel. However, this has programmes in the Japanese language. There is large diversity within the
experiences and perceptions of the conservative than Chinese people also resulted in a level of transience community, which is made up of
families and artists interviewed, from other areas. As one artist said, and fragmentation in the community, Korean community Indians from the sub-continent as
For Asian communities, as with any
and may not represent the full “They are just a lot more chilled out with its mix of settled and more recent Before the 1990s, the population of well as Fijian Indians. There is also a
community, the arts are a way to tell
range of views of Asian peoples in about Chinese tradition.” They mainly residents. Some see traditional culture Koreans living in New Zealand was mix of religions, including Christians,
people’s stories – stories of their
New Zealand. The names used here came to New Zealand for specific jobs suffering as a result. Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims.
Asian Aucklanders and the arts
culture, their history and their life low. But since then, there have been
are pseudonyms and in some cases, and to fill a skill shortage. With habits waves of migration to this country.
experiences. These stories help For some Japanese people, it can Speaking English is more common
personal details have also been and attitudes similar to those of middle- The Korean community in Auckland
them make connections within their be a challenge to attend an arts among some Indian migrants compared
changed. All the stories are extracts class Pākehā, adapting to their new has a strong church connection:
Sharing stories
own community and with other event with other people. They’re to other Asian peoples. However, this
from more extensive profiles. home was comparatively easy for some. there are many church groups and
communities, communicating across not sure whether to be honest in is not always the case – especially
generations and cultures. People from Hong Kong, on the other six Saturday Korean schools. These
their comments or say they enjoyed among the older community members.
hand, were perceived as being more church groups tend to be a starting
something because it’s the “right” There are some concerns that these
28 As in any ethnic group, communities point for cultural performance groups 29
traditional and conservative, and keen thing to say in Japanese culture. older people are not able to engage
are made up of individuals. While and Koreans interested in participating
there are common features that many
A snapshot of to preserve the traditions of For some, therefore, it’s easier simply with the arts for the same reasons as
communities their culture. in the arts can meet, network and find
not to attend than take a risk. their non-Indian peers: for example,
of these individuals share, there is also audiences to perform to.
people with a physical disability,
a great diversity of attitudes and Interviewees also described the For others, an “official” invitation
Chinese community The Korean Embassy and its Consulate transport, money and language.
influences that affect the ways in which Chinese community as tending to to attend an event or participate in
There was a perception among the Office in Auckland are active in helping
Asian peoples engage with the arts. be risk-averse. Young people were something acts as a seal of approval. For many, spiritual and cultural
people we interviewed that the migrant to build a Korean cultural presence in
encouraged to attend university and The smaller size of the Japanese traditions still play a strong role in
This report also recognises that Chinese community in New Zealand New Zealand. However, the church-
choose a degree that offered the best community compared to other Asian everyday life, and there are many
migrant communities are continually has lost some of the skills of, and focused community, combined with
opportunities with the lowest risk. communities in Auckland can also act religious and cultural festivals
evolving as they respond to life in the interest in, Chinese traditional arts language issues, may limit engagement
Auckland region, and to its diverse through the generations. as a barrier because there are fewer celebrated throughout the year.
Japanese community with non-Korean communities.
cultures and communities. specifically Japanese events to go to.
Among Chinese peoples, there may be These days, Japan is seen as a mix Some Indians may have lost relative
different levels of understanding and of East and West with its people There appears to be a limited Indian community economic strength and social status
Not their real names familiarity with Chinese traditional quick to adapt to new environments. number of established community The Indian community has since moving to New Zealand and
This section offers additional arts. For example, those from Many of those interviewed describe networks. The Japanese Consulate experienced a rapid increase in this may also have an impact on their
perspectives gained through the Singapore and Malaysia, especially the decision to leave Japan as one and the New Zealand Japan Society of migration in the past ten years to ability to engage with the arts.Family stories Chinese-influenced shows always This would encourage more people to Compared to Korea, attending arts weekday. In Singapore, they could go to New Zealand in 1997. They work
catch their attention and they participate in and attend the arts. events is less affordable in New Zealand. out to see a show and have dinner in the public health sector, and have a
Appealing to the mainstream usually try to go. “The Chinese shows That’s because the bigger population afterwards but here, they have to eat daughter, Anita, studying at university
The Guangs, new migrant/born here, we’ve gone along to have been well- Earning a living in Korea means larger audiences and very early if they want to go out because and a son, Dan, at high school.
from Mainland China attended by the Chinese community The Parks, new migrants from Korea therefore cheaper tickets. Transport nothing will be open once the show is
“We’re a halfway transitional family,”
Doris came to New Zealand from and often sell out. In fact, many Jin and his family moved to costs are also lower in Korea. finished. Parking is also a problem.
Anita says.
Mainland China for a holiday ten Chinese people are already involved New Zealand in 1996 from Korea. He
Two or three Korean musicians come Attending the arts costs about the
years ago and while she was here, she in the arts and I’m not sure there’s a is a teacher and his wife, Hee-Ju, is a
Asian Aucklanders and the arts
to New Zealand every year but the same in New Zealand as it does in “We value our Chinese heritage but
met a New Zealand-born Chinese need to encourage more.” full-time home-maker. They have two
tickets are usually too expensive. Singapore. They often work out the we have been westernised. A typical
man, Steve, whom she married. They children studying at tertiary institutions.
Doris enjoyed singing as a hobby when price per hour of entertainment when Chinese family would have Mum at
have a daughter who is in Year 2 at
Sharing stories
she was younger and her daughter has Although Jin teaches languages, he Value for money deciding on the value of an event. home not working, no oil paintings
primary school. Doris is a fulltime
just started singing lessons. She will did a master of fine arts in Korea as The Duans, long-term Chinese on the wall, and Dad doing most of
mother and Steve is an accountant. They feel that in New Zealand
also be taking piano lessons and ballet well as his teaching qualification. migrants from Singapore the talking.”
there is more opportunity to enjoy
Most of their entertainment involves lessons. Doris says her own parents “You would never do just a fine arts
30 Weng and his wife Mayling moved to participating in the arts as a lifestyle. 31
shopping or watching a movie, either could never afford proper music lessons degree … You need a way to actually Rick says that if they hear of Chinese
New Zealand from Singapore in 1988
at the cinema or at home. Once a when she was a child. However, she make some money.” performers coming to New Zealand
when Weng was offered an IT job “Singapore is more academic and
month, they try to get to a show. They would discourage her daughter from they’re interested in going along as a
Their daughter, Maria, is studying here and Mayling was able to find a commercial. Everyone’s chasing the
find out about these shows from The choosing music or ballet as a career family. They enjoy catching up with
visual arts and psychology. At the job in finance. dollars. It’s more important to have an
New Zealand Herald, The Sunday path. That’s because it is so difficult, people in the Chinese community when
moment, she is looking for funding income first and a lifestyle after that.”
Star Times or the Chinese newspapers especially in New Zealand, to earn a They learn about arts events from the they go to festivals such as the Lantern
for an exhibition space with one of
available in Auckland. They also get decent living and have a secure future What Now book of events in Auckland, Festival and the Moon Festival.
her fellow students. She is considering They think that people in
the occasional email from TicketDirect, as a musician or dancer. City Scene and AK@Play. The library
applying for funding but is also looking New Zealand are more accepting of They feel there is a lot on offer in
and Doris sometimes listens to Chinese has other booklets too, and they often
Overall, Doris and Steve think that at getting sponsorship from a private art as an occupation and that “it’s not New Zealand but it’s all much more
radio and watches CCTV on SKY TV. come across events advertised in The
Chinese people tend to be fairly company. She is more hopeful than so on the fringe”. expensive than in Hong Kong. “Hong
New Zealand Herald or Central Leader.
When they see an advertisement for conservative and become more so her father that it may be possible to Kong has easy access to a vast variety
a show, they consider the dates ( Can as they get older. They suggest that pursue a career in the arts. However, They tend to work out what’s on and A non-essential item of arts events. We have an underground
we make it then or will we be too shows need to be more mainstream she is aware of her father’s experience what they’ll attend on a month-by- The Pangs, long-term migrants railway to everywhere and there are
busy? ), the venue ( How far away is it? and not so fringe: “Things we’ll expect and has followed his advice by month basis. One major barrier to from Hong Kong also big stadiums that seat up to 40,000
How do you get there? Is there easy to enjoy rather than expect to be studying a subject with more certain attending these events is not being Rick and Penny moved from Hong people. So it tends to be cheaper and
parking? ), and the cost. confused by.” career opportunities. able to get food easily after 9pm on a Kong to South Africa in 1991, and then easier to attend arts events.”You can also read
