Creating change: The economies of arts organisations working towards social justice and wellbeing for rangatahi young people in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Abstract

The research report presents the background and findings of a research project examining the funding and policy environment for youth arts organisations in Tāmaki Makaurau.

The research came about in response to evidence from a previous study, which showed funding was the main challenge faced by youth arts organisations in this rohe. Based on the experiences of three organisations, this report considers the aspects of the policy and funding landscape that are working well to support youth arts organisations, key challenges and what needs to change to better enable youth arts organisations to achieve social justice and wellbeing for young people. The report argues that, given the evidence for the multiple, significant ways the arts can benefit youth wellbeing and contribute to social justice, funders and policy makers could be doing more to ensure equitable access to arts participation for youth.