Floyds Creative Arts faces closure
29 October 2009 Floyds Creative Arts, established 34 years ago in Christchurch and the largest creative space in New Zealand, must fundraise $120,000 by the end of November 2009 or close its doors.
Floyds Creative Arts has 2335 individuals on its current roll – many of them disabled people, and people coping with difficult and challenging circumstances. Seventy-five social service agencies refer their clients and members to Floyds.
Bernard Cherry, Director of Floyds Creative Arts, said the organisation is on budget in 2009 but sustained a loss last year when it rented space next to its location in Fitzgerald Avenue and attempted to set up an art gallery.
“That space has subsequently been closed and our lease relinquished,” he said. “We have trimmed our costs, where possible, and have launched a major fundraising campaign.”
Floyds is one of more than 75 creative spaces throughout the country providing artistic opportunities and support to people with limited access. The current economic recession, changes in government priorities and the downturn in grants available through philanthropic thrusts have meant that many of these organisations are struggling.
New Zealand Disability Strategy
One of the action points of Objective 9 in the New Zealand Disability Strategy (2001) is to “provide opportunities for disabled people to create, perform and develop their own arts and to access arts activities”.
Jan Hinde, Executive Director of Arts Access Aotearoa, says that creative spaces enrich the artistic lives of people and communities. “The closure of Floyds and other creative spaces would deny opportunities for many disabled and vulnerable New Zealanders to access the arts and creative expression.”
Floyds provides people living on the margins of life with social engagement and support, creative arts support and development, opportunities for social inclusion and community based volunteer work and support and guidance towards improved health and well-being for individuals as well as families and communities.
Floyds has18 staff and offers six departments in art, leatherwork, pottery/ceramics, flax weaving, woodwork and sewing/rug making. Between 400 and 700 people visit the centre every week to participate in the various programmes.