Summary: Arts Hub
Short Summary: Arts Hub
Issue Overview:
- Nelson City Council is considering the establishment of an arts hub in the city center as part of implementing He Tātai Whetū, Whakatū Nelson’s Arts and Creativity Strategy. The hub aims to support the arts sector and wider community by providing spaces for arts and creativity, including workshops, galleries, and office spaces.
Options:
- Option 1: Continue using the current facilities such as the Refinery Artspace, without additional investment in new infrastructure.
- Option 2: Purchase and refurbish an existing building to establish a permanent arts hub, enhancing facilities and ensuring long-term operational cost certainty.
- Option 3: Construct a new, purpose-built arts hub in the city center, potentially offering a bespoke solution tailored to the community's and sector's needs.
Public Opinion:
-
Option 1: Some residents support maintaining the current approach to avoid additional financial burdens. They suggest integrating arts functions into other community projects like the new library to optimize resources and maintain financial sustainability. Concerns are raised about the economic impact and the view that arts represent a niche interest that should not require significant public expenditure.
-
Option 2: This option has garnered substantial support for its cost-effectiveness and sustainability by adapting an existing structure. Proponents highlight the potential economic benefits, such as boosting tourism and supporting local businesses. The arts hub is seen as a means to enhance community engagement, cultural vibrancy, and inclusion, making Nelson a more attractive place for residents and visitors.
-
Option 3: Supporters of constructing a new facility argue it would solidify Nelson’s cultural reputation and attract more significant cultural events and visitors. While acknowledging the higher costs, they believe the long-term benefits of a purpose-built facility justify the investment, emphasizing the need for equitable funding between the arts and other sectors.
Recommendation:
Based on the analysis of community feedback and the strategic goals of enhancing cultural vibrancy and economic development, Option 2 is recommended. Purchasing and refurbishing an existing building offers a balance of cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and potential for significant community and economic benefits. It aligns with current redevelopment efforts and provides a foundation for enhancing Nelson's cultural landscape and community well-being. A phased approach to implementation with continuous stakeholder engagement is advised to ensure the hub meets the community's diverse needs and maximizes its long-term success.
Issue Description
From Consultation Document
Council has the opportunity to establish an arts hub in the city centre to support the arts sector and wider community. Council is proposing to provide a new arts hub as part of implementing He Tātai Whetū, Whakatū Nelson’s Arts and Creativity Strategy, and to further activate arts in the city centre. The hub will house the new arts development agency which will coordinate community efforts to deliver the best outcomes for the sector. In 2022, we undertook an analysis of our arts facilities with key stakeholders and identified the need for a community arts hub. An investigation in 2023/24 showed that a hub would not only provide the physical spaces for arts and creativity such as workshop, gallery and office space, but also a place to connect, collaborate and coordinate efforts across the sector to help it thrive. Our proposed approach We are proposing an increase of $20,000 operating funding in 2025/26 and 2026/27 to cover the rent of an interim property to act as an arts hub. In 2027/28, we’ve included $1.7 million of capital funding for the purchase of a building to refurbish and establish a permanent arts hub in Nelson (with fit out to be covered by community fundraising).
Options
| Title | Option |
|---|---|
| Retain our current approach | Arts Council Nelson would continue to operate out of the Refinery Artspace with limited administrative and workshop spaces and no ability to include the additional functions identified for an arts hub. No additional budget would need to be set aside for this option, however, as the current location on Hardy Street is being leased temporarily, there is no ongoing certainty regarding its availability for long-term occupation or the associated rental costs. This would have no additional rating or debt impact. |
| Purchase an existing building and establish an arts hub (Council’s proposal) | Adaptive reuse of an existing building in the city centre is a lower cost option to establish an arts hub. It would enable fit-out of new administrative and activity spaces to sufficiently support the sector. It would require $1.7 million of capital funding to purchase the building, along with additional maintenance costs. However, it would provide an improved facility and greater certainty for long term operational costs. Impact on rates: Total of $761,000 across years two to 10 of the Long Term Plan. Impact on debt: $1.7 million raised in year four of the Long Term Plan. |
| Construct a new building for an arts hub in the city centre | A further option is a new build in the city to develop a bespoke arts hub. It would provide the opportunity to build a fit-for-purpose hub to ensure it meets the needs to the sector and wider community. This would require significant capital funding and ongoing maintenance costs. However, in the long term it would provide greater certainty for ongoing operational costs. Council is still investigating the extent of the cost to build, and subsequent rating and debt impact of this option, but would be more than option 2. |
Comments
| Comment | Point ID |
|---|---|
| It is important to have a hub but does not need to be a new building. Possibly in the long term, if the growth and impact of this service requires a more suitable hub. | 12.8 |
| Our preference is for Nelson CBD to a single building house art, library, and conference facilities in one place. The Blenheim conference center is a good example.What Nelson really needs is a community building with the necessary support services wrapped around it that will allow 24/7 patronage | 25.6 |
| More and more funds are going to arts and events. A small lobby group has hijacked council funds. | 28.8 |
| Existing buildings are plentiful, but why purchase instead of leasing?The project is very difficult to comment on because not enough detail has been given. It is important that the investment serve the community at large, unlike the current Refinery which clearly serves only a select few, and is still running on a dated mindset of prioritising exhibition over artistic process and art engagement.There should be prospects to collaborate with NCMA, NMIT and the private arts institutions and men's shed on this to reduce overall costs, to bring in a necessary spectrum of existing expertise and equipment, and to generate income streams in parallel with the public service. | 56.8 |
| It seems a luxury to have this at a time of austerity. Nelson has an arts hub in the form of the Suter, and the NCMA....the availability of plenty of buildings to lease means there should be n need to buy a building | 75.8 |
| Arts and arts related organisations should either be self-supporting or they should cease to exist and should not be continuously funded by ratepayers. Most people do not even use these facilities | 77.8 |
| Purchase an existing building of which there appear to be quite a few in the city that could be made fit for purpose. | 114.6 |
| Nelson is a hub for arts, crafts and music and a purpose built hub will draw in more visiting crafts people from further afield. | 142.7 |
| let the arts community support themselves .stick to the core roll of council .water streets sewerage and stormwater | 148.8 |
| Prefer NO 'art hub'. Nelson will never retain the young.We have Theatre Royal, Music School & Suter, why more? | 155.8 |
| It would be amazing to have a state of of the art Arts Hub in the City Centre. We are the art capital of NZ. People come to Nelson for this. | 164.8 |
| There are already multiple empty commercial spaces in Nelson and more will be added as the recession continues and the economic environment changes (physical retail struggles and the impacts of work from home). Purchasing a building is unnecessary and more costly than leasing/renting in an oversupplied market. | 171.8 |
| Not essential at this time in these economic circumstances. Save our money, keep rates down! | 172.8 |
| This will help to ensure a vibrancy in the city centre | 175.6 |
| purchase a building and have an environmentally conscious architect upgrade the building. Have a local group build the fit out out of reused materials, creating a showcase of whats possible locally and supporting a potential new industry of reclaiming and reusing | 200.6 |
| It’s a very elitist hobby, let the people who are interested pay for whatever resourses they need. | 223.7 |
| I disagree with funding arts projects since they have limited appeal outside of an art-specific audience and I am unconvinced of the social and economic benefit of such investments to the wider community | 252.5 |
| Not a good time to do this either, not against it but there may be better times in the future | 275.8 |
| This is a fantastic proposal and would be an amazing asset for the Nelson community. | 281.8 |
| Nelson lost its way on arts when ir allowed WOW to go to Wellington and swell those coffers.At that time a truly ambitious arts and concert hall,allowing for big concerts and performances could have been constructed instead of ‘messing around’ with the Trafalgar centre ,still a white elephant.A little vision and ambition could bring NZ opera,ballet,orchestras as well as major pop and other performer. Blenheim managed this!, | 298.8 |
| I believe there is more pressing places to spend councils money | 319.8 |
| I fully support council investing in our arts community, it's a vital part of Nelson's DNA and delivers significant value. I particularly appreciate the services provided by the community art hub and would like to see investment to secure its future. | 412.8 |
| The Arts Hub is an obvious project to cull as it is not a core NC activity. On the numerous times I have passed the Refinery I have seldom seen it populated - probably because it's exhibitions are so woefully unpopular (does the Arts Council even keep a record of footfall?). Why then expand/increase spending on something already seemingly moribund? From personal experience (my wife is a successful local jeweler) we have found the Arts Council and it's various off-shoots to be ineffective, non-inclusive and nepotistic - I can't see how spending extra rate payers money on giving them an enhanced location would change this one iota. | 441.8 |
| The arts are critical in generating a positive vibe in the city! There is so much thinking and action in the arts community on how we can make our city the Arts Capital of Aotearoa New Zealand - as it used to be when I first arrived in 1982. We have lost that impetus and need to re-gain it. An arts hub will be pivotal for increased collaboration and better use of all resources and personnel committed to this area. The arts sector is on a roll - it needs a central hub to really capitalise on the momentum created by MakeShift Spaces and many others working in this space. | 447.8 |
| sell off some the council owned sculpture and installations and put the money back into more important things, like infrastructure and rubbish removal | 450.8 |
| Retain our current approach and include it in the new library building in the future | 472.8 |
| Arts centres can be a mecca for visitors - an attractive building enhances the art and the envioronment also impacts creativity | 486.8 |
| I strongly support the need for a new arts hub building in Nelson, but adaptive reuse of an existing building is the most cost effective and environmentally sound way forward.However, the long-term sustainability and suitability of any chosen building must be fully investigated, with input from the communities and organisations which will use the building | 500.8 |
| once again Im apprehensive about council purchasing a building for this and spending yet more money ---spending has to decrease.....we can still have a vibrant art scene in Nelson without buying buildings which cost so much | 504.8 |
| If the budget was not outrageous then I would not say no to new building BUT it would have to be put forward for community consultation... | 529.8 |
| …be great to combine art hub with youth hub for a vibrant setting and get 2 birds with one stone. They would complement each other as the arts poses as somewhat high one the ‘cool’ factor with the youth and could bring a lot of worth to our community. Other great combinations are daycares with senior homes. Haha….getting off topic | 564.8 |
| There is plenty of empty buildings in Nelson, better to make use of existing facilities than build new | 610.8 |
| far too much money is spent on art, don't see much return out of it | 629.8 |
| I do support option 2 but even better would be to look at all the different facilities we need into the future, e.g. the library, councils own building and look to address these in unison in a more future thinking and innovative way. | 631.8 |
| seriously...use what we have! | 641.8 |
| Please try to involve a possibility to have indoor skateboarding as part of the hub. I don't need to be a whole skatepark, just a mini ramp that's 6m x 12m. Skate Nelson Bays will be open to help fund raise the money to have the ramp built | 642.8 |
| an arts space specifically for youth would also be great - if that could be included as part of the arts hub, that would be great. | 673.7 |
| not needed | 676.8 |
| This would be a valuable addition to increase the name Nelson has already of being an art centre. However, it is important this does not reduce the annual support to the iconic arts centres; Nelson Centre for Musical Arts and Theatre Royal. We cannot lose them. | 677.5 |
| Unsure of pros and cons. | 682.8 |
| as a Fibre creative I would like to see space for exhibitions. | 693.2 |
| Nelson used to be defined by it's artists. We have many beautiful buildings downtown that sit empty that could be repurposed for art! Bring the arts back to Nelson and give us a large music/performance venue either in an old building or build a new one. This is vital to Nelson. | 749.8 |
| lets see how inner city property availability plays out over the next few years... no hurry for this proposal | 751.8 |
| A separate arts hub is necessary for the community of Nelson | 765.8 |
| The Community Art Works should have a new home within the new arts hub, they have served the nelson community and city council for over 25 years | 769.8 |
| I would say option 2 and as the city continue downtown redevelopment - look to either increase that space with other buildings acquired or renovated or go option 3. The arts are important to a community but they also can't be forced by the public sector so whichever option goes, it needs to be sure that there is plenty of breathing room for the artist community without public sector intervention. | 773.8 |
| More space for community workshops. It would be great to have a multi use facility with art groups, cooking groups, yoga classes, craft groups etc being able to hire out for free if not for profit or at a low charge if for profit. We have such a huge community of florists, cake decorators, potters etc etc. There's potential for some really cool classes to be run, both as passion projects and a career via hire rooms. This would be excellent for people in their 20s to 30s as well as there is a severe lack of facilities for people my age here. | 778.8 |
| The strong creative community in Nelson draws visitors from all over. Let's get our creative industries recognised and supported better! An Arts hub or precinct would be such an asset for the community. | 781.8 |
| the council already owns lots of buildings, why can you not renovate on of these? for example The Anchor shipping & Foundry Co Building? This is a magnificent building that has gone unused for years it would make a wonderful Arts Hub. | 786.8 |
| Nelson should continue to support and celebrate the arts | 806.8 |
| an indoor arts and sports hub in the city center is needed to create youth integration | 811.8 |
| In reality the only option Is to STRENGTHEN the existing building It defies logic to remove the existing building at a cost of $1.4 million ----- and we have nothing ---versus the same amount outgoing and there is still a sound structure. ( $1.7 quoted by Nick Smith Nelson Weekly 27 March) | 828.8 |
| ACN fully support this initiative. | 829.2 |
| Council needs to up its spending on the arts and bring it into parity with sports funding. | 838.5 |
| Community Artworks has been a hugely valuable resource for Nelson art and culture. I know many amazing masks and props have been made their for shows festivals like the Mask Parade. It's absolutely vital CAW is given a fit-for-purpose space to use so it can continue the amazing services and support it offers our community. | 841.8 |
| reduce costs and lower rates | 847.8 |
| this would be another proposal that can save the council money and reduce rates increases. Alternatively artist and there organisation's could contribute to any cost, just as the sporting codes are contributing to the cost of the sports turf upgrades | 849.7 |
| We recognise that art and culture is essential to people’s wellbeing. We believe money should be put into existing arts spaces that have been running on shoestring budgets.There needs to be consideration of the location, accessibility of the arts hub for a diverse range of people, lower-income households etc. Cultural Conversations would be interested in being part of a new arts hub. There needs to be recognition of the importance of language access and culturally appropriate resources to create an inclusive and diverse art space. | 864.4 |
| I believe the population of Nelson is too small to fund a separate arts hub. I observed an alternative approach with the Elevation Place community facility in the town of Canmore in Canada (population 15,000) which includes a new public library, art exhibition spaces and gallery, meeting rooms and co-working spaces, public pool, climbing wall, fitness spaces, cafe and gym facilities. Combining arts and recreation ensures year round use of community facilities, attracts a broader range of demographic, creates land use efficiencies and reduces the footprint of community spaces within the central urban area. Nayland and riverside pool sites, as well as the Refinery Arts Space could be put to alternative uses. | 866.8 |
| PAGE 37-38 ARTS HUB | 872.1 |
| extra expenses for the tax payers for the Arts again for a very small elite group of people of Nelson . We have a gallery called The Suter which was very expensive to "renovate" with a 40% increase in the sector of Construction theses days and the prices of buildings is not a clever investment for NCC. Again frivolous unsustainable move for NCC. | 881.8 |
| I have no opinion on this. | 883.8 |
| NPHS Te Waipounamu supports the purchase of an existing building and establishment of an arts hub. There is a growing body of evidence showing how arts and creativity can make a significant difference to people’s health and wellbeing.10 NPHS strongly recommends that equity and inclusiveness is considered in all aspects of the facility, including all ages, demographics and physical abilities. | 887.6 |
| Purchase Cement Factory and create a new Art Hub in its place | 888.8 |
| Arts is Essential for our future | 892.8 |
| Make use of an existing building while improving capacity for the arts in nelson sounds good, doesn’t seem worth it to build a whole new purpose built hub i think there are plenty of spaces in nelson that the arts hub could function from | 894.8 |
| This option seems to be the less impactful to the environment and perhaps the least expensive? | 931.6 |
| The smallest contribution, the arts seems to be overly funded for return in our community, the council needs to broaden their horizons and see what else is worth investing in our community. | 934.8 |
| Arts is synonymus with Nelson. So why are we not investing in it? But what are you going to put in an Arts Hub? Rather than buy a building why don't the Council invest in providing a more artsy enviroment? Start with the Council building - have it painted by artists. Its an eyesore but could be spectacular. Encourage massive murals on buildings all around the city. Even the electricity boxes should be painted. Primary school kids can do that. Building an Arts Hub will be expensive and really, whats it going to achieve? A space for people to paint together? Some pottery wheels? More art galleries? We have plenty already. Im not convinced that there is a clear vision or demand. The Suter has space and used to run art classes. Is there really the demand or are the Council looking for something to put money towards so they can be seen to be supporting the arts?Maybe lease a building for a year and allow the ideas to flow over how it can be used before commiting big dollars. And see what sort of support it actually gets. | 939.7 |
| Overview: ‘Basic Assumptions’a) Climate Change: It was of some concern to see the LTP document subtitled“Beyond the Storm”, as if the recent storm events were an exception. However, onfurther reading I was pleased to see climate change is acknowledged as affectingour climate with the probability of more extreme weather events in and aroundNelson. The LTP does recognise the vulnerability of much of Nelson’sinfrastructure to the effects of weather; sea (coastal) and earthquake plus theprobability of regular on-going cost to repair; replace and upgrade infrastructure.This will be an increasing and on-going cost to NCC.b) Demographics: It was good to see the likely ageing population recognised (from21% to 26% over 65). This was stated to provide more on fixed incomes and howthat might affect rate increases. However, it did not make mention of how thatmay affect the housing needs. Older people generally look to downsize to smaller,easy-care dwellings such as apartments or units. This could/should free up largerhouse for younger couples? Plan Change 29 does make provision for this change.Plan Change 29 also states: “Enabling the intensification of development onland…………….that is not within areas potentially affected by significant naturalhazards” [My highlighting] This provision has certainly not hindered, to date, theproposed Mahitahi/Kaka Valley development in the Maitai Valley!c) Vested Assets: These are assets paid for by developers and vested to Council. Theassumption is that “vested assets will remain the same over the term of the plan”.However, is this an accurate assumption? I do not think so!Firstly it is agreed in the LTP that climate events are likely to be more extreme asin a) above. Will not this potentially INCREASE the maintenance of these latervested assets? I would say “YES”Secondly, this assumption makes no provision for the possible/probabledevelopment of Mahitahi/Kaka Valley during the term of the LTP. Thedevelopment area has steep slopes; and a flood-prone valley floor. Back-up waterfrom a large flood can be damaging enough, but stormwater if not contained onsteep slopes can cause serious damage to infrastructure, let alone down-streamdamage. This would all become NCC’s responsibility. It could even create aliability for buying-out houses if the damage was serious enough. Has this beenconsidered? I do not think so!Thirdly, there will be accelerated run-off from the hillside development inMahitahi/Kaka Valley. As we saw in Atawahai in the recent storm events (andpossibly other places) even with holding tanks in place, these only provide a shortdelay until overwhelmed by the water! And what of all the down-stream effects?Pollution; erosion and perhaps more serious flooding along the lower Maitai?Conclusion: I do not want to see NCC take over responsibility for a high-riskvested asset in the form of the proposed Mahitahi/Kaka Valleydevelopment. We have enough infrastructure at risk. Why take on more?The on-going cost is hard to predict, but it has been dismissed as “similar tocurrent” However other parts of the LTP acknowledge that extreme weather is anincreasing risk. As a ratepayer, I DO NOT want Council to take on more risk if theycan avoid it. That is not smart management in my view!I have objected to the proposed Mahitahi/Kaka Valley development from thestart. It is the wrong place for an intensive subdivision. It will not enhance thequality of life in Nelson/NCC ; it will in fact detract. The adverse impacts havebeen well-documented such that around 13,000 people have petitioned againstthe development.The storm events of recent times have highlighted the fragility of much of the NCCenvironment.One of the NCC’s Long Term Plans is to phase out commercial forestry from theland surrounding Nelson, and why is that? It was found that the land under pineforest was far more prone to slipping in heavy rain events than under nativeforest. (I was involved in one of the workshops where it was explained anddiscussed). Perhaps this suggests that for consistency, much of the Kaka Valleyshould be replanted into native forest?The Mahitahi/Kaka Valley is a development with very high-risk environmentalconsequences both during its development and once vested to Council. They areforeseeable risks that can and should be avoided. My understanding is that todate, the developers have not provided any modelling to analyse these risks, sohow can NCC simply “accept” that eventually the development will be vested toCouncil?I object to NCC being seen to support the proposed Mahitahi/Kaka Valleydevelopment by allocating funds to provide supporting infrastructure to this highriskdevelopment in a highly sensitive area of the Maitai River.Graeme Ferrier | 945.8 |
| No OPTION is acceptable and consideration must instead be given to refurbishing the Old Refinery Building. Its historic importance alone makes it worth retaining and it is ideal as an Arts Hub. | 959.8 |
| Essential to Nelson's future | 977.8 |
| A thriving arts community is vital for community well-being. So we support this again, but as with previous comments - that all projects are viewed through a climate lens and therefore all steps of the procurement and modification process be as low-emission as possible. | 978.8 |
| ARTS HUBConstruct a new building for an | 982.8 |
| We support investment in the Arts Hub and the proposal to purchase an existing building. The region is proud of its arts and creativity sector and we know it has been an important of Nelson's branding over decades We encourage council to ensure that this building is in the city centre. The presence of the Refinery Art Space on Hardy Street has been beneficial to the Arts Sector and to surrounding businesses. With Magenta Art Space now located in Selwyn Place on the other side of Rutherford Mews it makes sense to locate it in close proximity. | 985.6 |
| We recognise the importance of art and culture in people’s wellbeing. There needs to be consideration of the location, accessibility of the arts hub for a diverse range of people, lower-income households etc. As Nelson is becoming increasingly diverse, we need to ensure this is a multicultural space representative of our residents, and to recognize the importance of language access and culturally appropriate resources to create an inclusive and diverse art space. | 987.8 |
| 8Arts Hub: Support option 2. I also think it would be a good fit with a new library so temporary premises will be required. | 1001.9 |
| As above yet again. | 1018.8 |
| I feel that this would do much to establish a more vibrant Arts presence in Nelson and attract creative persons. | 1034.6 |
| 27 April 2024 | 1036.8 |
| The Arts is a key differentiator for Nelson which has been lost a bit over the years. We still have so much talent in the region, its just hard to see it or find ut. The Arts Hub is a fantastic idea to revitalise this sector and help put Nelson back on the map. | 1038.6 |
| The proposed cost of the purchase of a new building and establishing an arts hub coupled with the cost to demolish the old Refinery Building on Hardy street should be used in combination to bring that Heritage building back into service and use it to provide an actual community space - the Arts Hub has lost the word community and it is a huge omission. While I have full support for Arts Council and the work they do both in advocacy but also as a Gallery and Office spaces for other arts entities there is the dire need for a more permanent solution to enabling a more socially equitable solution to space requirements for our marginalised communities>Community Art Works provides both a supportive and consistent service to peoples with diverse needs and who are in supported housing or require significant care, they also provide outreach and in house programmes for Rangitahi / Youth, Multi-cultural communities as well individual arts practitioners and groups who access the space and resources for projects that generally are of benefit to the Whakatū / Nelson Community.In describing itself as a vibrant creative city there are often image used which include masks, materials or circo-arts additions to events that originate from the CAW space. Council is right to look to the benefits that arts provides to the community / city as a whole but this is not wholly economic in the sense of generating money - but in the social benefit of creativity being something that is supported and enabled for all to achieve, and have access to.Council risks spending vast amounts of money on more strategy documents and provisioning a 'hub' while ignoring the potential for existing spaces to be utllised - there is huge potential for multiple groups to successfully collaborate through the old Refinery Building which is still central (the CBD being only a few blocks anyway), its proximity to the beautiful natural amenity of the River and estuary will draw interest along the River reserve and bring more diverse groups to use this under appreciated area | 1040.6 |
| Note - I have a conflict of interest here as a consultant to NCC on the arts. Absolutely support the retrofit and retention of existing buildings. I encourage a wider consideration around a network of arts hubs - including provision for Āwhio Toi, Community Art Works (CAW), Magenta, The Refinery etc and recognition of our privately held strengths such as The Kiln, The Bench, Centre for Fine Woodwork etc.It is critical we support organisations doing it tough right now to find suitable accommodation and establish a new central arts hub in one of the existing buildings crying out for occupancy and use. | 1075.8 |
| Please consider having a mixture of spaces for community groups; bookable spaces for short term projects; and long term leases for artists. The space needs to be supported by both an exhibition space and a separate dealer gallery/ retail shops to allow emerging artists to trial how the community responds to their work both artistically and as a saleable product. Shops in this complex have the potential to be vibrant drawcards that will attract both locals and tourists. | 1081.8 |
| lets use some of the empty space we have. If we determine we need to build. Then that is also preferable. | 1083.7 |
| I fully support the arts scene in Nelson, it is one of the reasons we live here. | 1085.8 |
| Utilize buildings that are already standing. Stop spending on new builds. | 1093.8 |
| Artists will art without funding. More pressing issues for council funding | 1100.6 |
| In full support of the establishment of an Arts Hub, plus the expansion of Nelson Arts Council into an Arts Development Agency as part of He TaaTai Whetu. So much good work is done by ACN, with the potential for so much more. | 1140.3 |
| I would like to see arts promoted and funded as much as sport is. | 1148.2 |
| there is a perfectly empty space in that big yellow or green building in Montgomery Square that has nothing happening with it. Why not put the art hub in there? Bonus: have it open on weekends and public holidays to take advantage of the markets on. Yes you loose parking spaces to it but I think that is a good use of a vacant building | 1153.8 |
| Our learners would like to see their culture art and crafts publicly displayed, whether at a dedicated arts hub or at a public facility like a library or museum. They would like to show off their culture to others in Nelson, and seeing their culture displayed would also enhance their sense of inclusion in the community. Our learners who live in Stoke would like to see more cultural offerings near them, as well as in the city centre. One very common theme that was raised when we talked with the learners about what they would like in their city was a place they could use to host cultural shows and community festivals. We would like to suggest that the proposed arts hub incorporate a space for hire, for community groups. | 1168.8 |
| The arts sector is an integral part of our identity and our economy. | 1201.5 |
| this should also include a music venue for 500 to 1000 people think the old artery | 1203.8 |
| There has been significant investment into the arts over the last decade & other parts of the community would benefit greatly if funds were used elsewhere for a change | 1204.8 |
| The Arts should not be council funded. The long standing tradition of wealthy patrons giving back to the community by donation of arts to their communities has embellished the city for generations. For the council to fund this to provide for the arts and thus provide works to decorate the city environment is the tail wagging the dog. Concentrate on providing an environment for the generation on weath and let the money and egos of the weathy provide for the arts. Not the ratepayer. | 1208.8 |
| The arts council has not proven itself to be a particularly dynamic organisation. Arts are funded though other institutions like the NCMA and the Suter and arts events funded via grants of dubious value from the Regional Development Agency. I support an increase in arts funding but not funding an arts hub. We already have a number of those eg Fairfield House, the Boathouse and the Theatre Royal. | 1216.8 |
| With the destruction of The Hub in New Street Nelsons art and youth community has suffered, I fully support a new arts hub. | 1219.8 |
| Will fill a number of critical gaps. Thank you for getting on with this. | 1221.8 |
| I Support Option 1 – notwithstanding the slanted negative summary set out thereinMy Comments include:- In the past two decades Council has effectively taken over (and under-written) the loss making Nelson School of Music (NMAC), Repertory Theatre, and Suter Gallery; and all have now come to expect substantial annual funding;- Council has built multi million dollar centres such as Greenmeadows and Trafalgar Centre extensions with little or no consideration as to how what is called “the arts community” could participate in the same.- There has been no truly independent report on “what is sought” or “why is the existing insufficient”: nor as to what ongoing annual contribution to running costs would be expected to be funded by Council- All reports on what was suggested should be in a new Library building included much in the way of public facilities – possibly in the nature of Arts Hub - and things that would be in competition with nearby rate paying businesses | 1225.8 |
| Just do it. Arts deserve as much funding as Sports. | 1236.4 |
| We already contribute far too much funding to the arts per capita in Nelson while other facilities are degrading rapidly. There is no way that any additional funding should be put in from council. If these people want a new hub then they should go out and source private equity funding themselves to get it done. | 1243.3 |
| As manager of the Refinery ArtSpace I firmly support the second option. Permanent premises in the CBD that provide accessible, affordable making spaces for the community can only lead to favourable outcomes. The Refinery ArtSpace (Arts Conucil Nelson) provides an important programme of exhibitions and events that encourage community and innovation in the arts as well as being a connector and cruciable for other arts organisations and initiatives. A permanent home in the CBD will provide an anchor point for the creative community with the Arts Developmemt Agency housed there and along with strategic partners will foster a vibrant inner city creative culture that attracts residents and visitors and cements us as a creative centre. | 1249.4 |
| arts is a non core activity and the council should cease spending any money on it. User pays. Rates payers should not pay for a few artists to have a free space | 1254.8 |
| A full transparent review of this facility for cost vs benefit. | 1255.8 |
| But please be mindful of wasteful spending in doing so, who ever has this portfolio! | 1263.5 |
| Construct a new library/community hub and include an arts hub within that | 1264.8 |
| This needs to be progressed as quickly as possible. | 1267.8 |
| I would like to see Arts Council Nelson to remain at the present site at Hardy street with the provision of better ofice space either at the present site or at a site near by. The building they are in at present is very suitable as a gallery space and it would not be good to lose it.I personally do not see the provision of art workshops on site with what the Arts Council is proposing to do in the future as a good fit. I would like to see the old Refinery at 3 Haliax Street retained and the refurbishing of the back spaces to provide Workshop spaces for the making of a wide range of Art. Community Art Works has already approached the CEO with a proposal to raise money for this work to be done. Community Art Works sees the future as expanding on the program they have been developing with Arts Access Aeoteroa for the past 3years working with Youth and the Arts. My vision for a Community Art Space is at 3 Halifax Street with the front of the building becoming a vibrant art space for Youth. Youth are our future and deserve to have a space that is about them. From a base such as this out reach programs can be worked on as well. Community Art Works over the past year worked with 5 schools, 2 youth groups and 13 students who came weekly to work on a variety of art projects. CAW has the expertise and the resources to make this work.I do not think the amount quoted for a new build, would build what is suggested the last time a new building was looked at 4 years ago the amounted quoted on what was a basic design was 2.5 million and Im sure the price will have gone up not down.We have suggesting a new building for the past 25 years and it never makes it past the post. The arts community which are the people out there working on making the work, do not want to lose the Refinery Building at 3 Halifax Street. | 1269.1 |
| Arts is chronically underfunded, has the ability to bring people to nelson, livens up out city so it needs some extra support. | 1273.8 |
| The purchase of a historic building that is under private ownership and not being maintained would be an ideal option, so that history can be preserved and a building that represents art of the past with art of the future combined. | 1278.8 |
| I'm actually torn between options two and three, but if a suitable building can be found I'll live with option two. The arts is every bit as important as sports. What I ultimately want to see is a modern performing arts centre like Blenheim has - seating maybe up to 2,000 people. With amazing acoustics. | 1286.8 |
| Nelson has a thriving arts community and we need to do everything we can to support and grow the arts in our city. However, purchasing a new building is a very expensive option that doesn't necessarily result in more and better arts in our city. I want to see the council to continue to invest heavily in the arts, but I believe we could get better value for money by investing in our existing arts infrastructure and improving the connectivity between the arts across the city. | 1290.8 |
| as someone who has moved to Nelson from Hobart don’t see it as an ‘arts town’; the main industries are forestry and fishing. I don’t see how an increase of funding for arts will have an impact on the economics of Nelson, but do think embracing the local fishing and marine industry with seafood and marine based festivals might | 1313.3 |
| But why just an arts hub? Why not a community hub? Still repurpose existing buildings. It could have a community garden, community meeting spaces, community run zero waste cafe. The wider community needs a hub in the cbd, especially as more people start moving into the city. | 1324.8 |
| live within your means | 1329.7 |
| Arts Council Nelson should continue to operate where it is currently, and no new buildings should be purchased or constructed. Instead, if NCC is planning to build a new, multipurpose library building, provision to house them within that centre should be implemented, thus contributing to the artistic "hub", keeping it to a single building, and saving money. | 1338.7 |
| Until the proposal can clearly show that it has financial sustainability, status quo. Working creatively other council supported entities such as the Suter and Museum must have potential. | 1345.8 |
| Arts are hugely important to Nelson. So many residents engage in the arts and it is a big drawcard for national and international visitors. Arts funding by NCC is way below sports funding, so let's put more resources into creating a vibrant and exciting arts hub for artists and those who engage with the arts and the artists, and also supporting the income of artists and all those associated businesses in the CBD who would benefit as well. | 1350.2 |
| nelson attracts crestive people snd has a strong arts culture. A modern, class leading facility could help position nelson as a center for the arts and attract more visitors. Concerts and festivals shoukd be key prt of the strategy. | 1366.8 |
| defer until we can afford | 1373.8 |
| Comment: | 1390.8 |
| The work that Arts Council Nelson (ACN) is about to embark on will transform the arts sector here in Whakatu. The Arts Development Agency could achieve even more if, in partnership with Council, its' current building is purchased to assist with the delivery of objectives outlined in He Tātai Whetū, including the establishment of an arts hub, artists residencies, artists studios, administrative offices for arts, marketing, festival development, and a strong arts community who can easily connect and collaborate within this space. | 1398.7 |
| I support an arts hub but tgere is no good reason to purchase a new building when the council already owns many buildings in the city. Thetefore my view is to upgrade an existing building. It is complete nonsense for rate payers to buy another building! | 1403.8 |
| New building as part of a large council office and new library | 1409.7 |
| This needs to allow community to participate not just watch professionals take part. Public interaction and participation in creating art is really important | 1412.8 |
| Arts HubTBCA supports Option 2 – the purchase of an existing building to refurbish and establish as a permanent arts hub in Nelson TBCA believes that a dedicated physical space for arts and creativity would further activate arts in the city centre by providing a workshop, gallery and office space as well as a place to connect, collaborate and coordinate efforts across the sector, allowing it both to deliver best outcomes and thrive. | 1433.8 |
| See Key Issue No. 1 | 1439.8 |
| Arts should be the lowest priority for Nelson, its not the rates payers issue. There are many ways for Artists or performers to show off their work. It is absolutely an unnecessary expenditure | 1451.8 |
| Save the money and do this when you have excess. I don't want a single dollar of my rates spent on this now. | 1468.8 |
| NRDA supports the proposal to establish an arts hub in the city centre through purchase of an existing building (Arts Hub Option 2), as a follow-through of the Nelson Arts and Creative Strategy, He Tātai Whetū, to enhance the Creative Economy, with further implications for talent and investment attraction, and enhancement of the visitor economy. | 1476.3 |
| Great improvements to Nelson's Civic buildings including library and arts hub could be looked at together. The Trafalgar / Halifax St corner is in dire need of an upgrade. Considering an imaginative, attractive and uniquely Nelson architectural solution here has merit in my view. | 1479.7 |
| While we are very sympathetic with the idea of an arts hub, we are mindful of the uncertainties about the future of the Elma Turner library , and our advocacy in 2.2 above for increasing expenditure on the development of robust communities. We are also aware that there are present, albeit limited, facilities available.In this context we consider the proposed Option 2 should not be included with this LTP, and that Option 1 is adopted, but that the arts hub is flagged for integrative analysis along with the library and broader community issues to explore the viability and potential benefits of a more integrated approach in the foreseeable future. | 1482.8 |
| Please see attached submission | 1484.1 |
| waste of money - investment in the arts hub - more could be done with the community and actually help the region | 1489.8 |