17 Mar 2024

New report shows increased interest in Asian arts and culture among Kiwis

From Culture 101, 2:05 pm on 17 March 2024

 

Rosabel Tan

Rosabel Tan Photo: Supplied: Leah Jing McIntosh

Christchurch Arts Festival Director Craig Cooper

Craig Cooper Photo: Supplied

A new report commissioned by Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono has found an increased interest and desire for Asian arts and cultural experiences in Aotearoa. 

New Waves: Meeting the growing hunger for Asian art in Aotearoa looks at the potential for Asian art and entertainment to create deeper and more significant cultural and societal understandings of Asia in Aotearoa and the ever-changing and transforming landscape of Asian art globally. 

The report highlights the social, cultural, health and economic benefits of increasing access and puts forward three recommendations to policy makers to achieve this. Mediums like K-Pop, Anime and Bollywood are finding wider audiences as the countries invest more in its creative industries and in turn, it’s influencing what artists are creating in New Zealand. It also looks at case studies across Japan, Korea, India and Australia.  

The report also reveals a gap between growing interest and current offerings. There are regions and populations ready and eager to engage but this demand has yet to be met. 

Culture 101’s Perlina Lau spoke to Asia New Zealand Foundation Director of Arts, Craig Cooper and report author, Rosabel Tan.