Summary

The Manatū Taonga COVID-19 Response Impacts Report 2020/21 focuses on the initial impacts of 13 initiatives delivered during the first year of the four-year Arts and Culture COVID recovery programme. These initiatives have received $94 million of support from the total $374 million programme. The report covers the time period to 30 June 2021.  

The Arts and Culture COVID Recovery Programme was designed to deliver short-term relief as well as longer-term support for the arts and culture sector, which was hit hard by COVID-19. The programme targets economic recovery, better access and participation, and supporting vibrant, innovative sectors going forward.
 
The Manatū Taonga COVID-19 Response Impacts Report found that the COVID-19 response has been successful overall in supporting recipients to survive the immediate challenges posed by COVID-19 in 2020/21. It supported New Zealanders to continue to participate in the arts, and helped creatives produce new work. 

Wider Government support and favourable public health and economic conditions also contributed to these positive outcomes. However, parts of the sector remained vulnerable to COVID-19 risks and ongoing effects — particularly raised Alert Level restrictions and closed international borders.

Manatū Taonga COVID-19 Response Impacts Report covers the time period before the Delta resurgence, which has created additional challenges for the cultural sector. $37.5m of funding has been brought forward from the Arts and Culture COVID recovery programme to provide immediate relief and provide confidence for the months ahead.