Rooted in Practice report explores Aotearoa New Zealand’s creative sector
A new Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) report highlights the importance of cultural understanding, local relationships and thoughtful engagement for international artists, companies and organisations working in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Rooted in Practice: A Mapping of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Creative Ecosystem was commissioned by the ASEF and written by Rosabel Tan. The report draws on existing quantitative and qualitative research to map the country’s cultural and creative industries at a moment of potential sociopolitical and economic change.
According to the executive summary, this includes planned changes in 2026 to how the country’s national arts agency invests in cultural institutions, a forthcoming national election and the possibility of economic recovery following a period of recession.
The report also identifies longer-term shifts in the cultural landscape, including more confident expression and experimentation by Māori and Pacific artists, alongside continuing challenges around environmental and financial sustainability.
Technology is highlighted as another area of change, raising questions about the sustainability of the media sector, the documentation of artists’ work, data sovereignty and the ways in which emerging digital technologies may support or undermine creative practice.
For international organisations, touring companies and practitioners, the report stresses the need to begin with strong cultural understanding, particularly in relation to te ao Māori. It also notes that New Zealand’s geography brings both challenges and opportunities, making thoughtful engagement with local communities an important part of successful collaboration.
ASEF culture360 describes the mapping as a learning tool for professionals seeking to engage in collaboration and exchange with artists and organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand.