Summary of Arguments for 'None of the Above'

The comments submitted by citizens who selected 'None of the Above' for the proposed Arts Hub in Nelson reveal a variety of concerns and suggestions that diverge from the three options provided by the council. Here is a summary of the key arguments presented:

Financial Concerns: A significant number of comments express concerns about the financial implications of funding an arts hub. Many believe that the arts should be self-sustaining and not rely on council funds or ratepayer money. There is a sentiment that the investment in arts does not yield sufficient returns and that council funds should be allocated to more essential services like infrastructure and public utilities.
Existing Facilities: Several comments suggest utilizing or upgrading existing council-owned buildings rather than purchasing or constructing new properties. This approach is seen as more cost-effective and sensible given the existing assets that the council already possesses.
Community Inclusion and Benefit: There is a recurring theme that the arts hub, as currently proposed, may not serve the broader community but rather a select group. Commenters are asking for a facility that integrates more community functions and serves a wider audience, potentially including educational institutions and other community groups.
Alternative Uses and Integration: Some suggest rethinking the approach to community space by integrating arts with other community services such as libraries, recreational facilities, and educational spaces. This could lead to better utilization of space and resources, attracting a broader demographic and ensuring year-round use.
Lack of Detailed Information and Vision: There is a critique about the lack of detailed information regarding the proposed arts hub and its operations. Commenters are concerned about the absence of a clear vision or demonstrated demand for such a facility.
Historical and Cultural Preservation: A few comments highlight the importance of preserving historical buildings and suggest refurbishing such spaces to serve as the arts hub, which could add cultural value while saving costs.

Debate Argument in Support of 'None of the Above'

Given the concerns and suggestions raised by the community, it is clear that the current options for the Arts Hub may not fully align with the broader interests and priorities of Nelson's residents. Advocating for 'None of the Above' allows us to reconsider the approach to supporting the arts within the community while ensuring fiscal responsibility and broader community benefit.

Fiscal Responsibility: By choosing 'None of the Above,' we advocate for a more financially prudent approach that scrutinizes the allocation of public funds. It is essential to ensure that investments yield tangible benefits for a broad segment of the community and do not burden the ratepayers unduly, especially in a small community like Nelson.

Utilization of Existing Resources: There is a strong case for better utilization of existing council-owned properties. Renovating and repurposing current buildings can fulfill the need for an arts hub without the substantial costs associated with purchasing new property or constructing new buildings. This approach not only saves money but also preserves the architectural heritage of Nelson.

Integrated Community Hub: The proposal for an integrated community hub that includes arts, education, recreation, and other community services is a forward-thinking approach that maximizes resource utilization and benefits a larger demographic. This model encourages inclusivity and ensures that the facility is used year-round, enhancing its sustainability.

Demand and Vision Clarity: Before committing significant public funds, there must be a clear, articulated vision for the arts hub backed by demonstrated community demand and engagement. The current lack of detailed planning and community consensus suggests a need to revisit the project's scope and objectives.

In conclusion, supporting 'None of the Above' is not a dismissal of the arts but a call for a more inclusive, practical, and financially sustainable approach to supporting cultural development in Nelson. This stance encourages the council to engage more deeply with the community to refine the vision and execution plan for an arts hub that truly reflects and serves the diverse needs of its residents.

Comments

ID	Comment
28.8	More and more funds are going to arts and events. A small lobby group has hijacked council funds.
56.8	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.
77.8	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
148.8	let the arts community support themselves .stick to the core roll of council .water streets sewerage and stormwater
629.8	far too much money is spent on art, don't see much return out of it
631.8	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.
676.8	not needed
682.8	Unsure of pros and cons.
786.8	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.
828.8	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)
866.8	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.
883.8	I have no opinion on this.
939.7	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.
959.8	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.
1018.8	As above yet again.
1204.8	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
1208.8	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.
1254.8	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
1255.8	A full transparent review of this facility for cost vs benefit.
1264.8	Construct a new library/community hub and include an arts hub within that
1269.1	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.
1313.3	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
1403.8	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!
1451.8	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
1468.8	Save the money and do this when you have excess. I don't want a single dollar of my rates spent on this now.