Arts Hub Debate

Economic Benefits - Business Opportunities

Option 1

The supporter of Option 1 argues that previous council investments in arts-related infrastructure have not considered how the arts community could benefit from shared use of these spaces. They express concern that the proposed arts hub could compete with existing rate-paying businesses, potentially harming local commerce. Additionally, there is skepticism about the necessity and sufficiency of existing facilities, questioning the need for further council-funded arts infrastructure without a clear, independent assessment of needs.

Table of comments:

Point No

Comment

1225.8

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