As the year draws to a close, we at NGĀ ART want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible creativity, passion, and dedication we have witnessed in our community throughout 2024. From the vibrant energy of our classes to the joy of our signature events, this has been a year to remember. We also want to be transparent about the challenges we face as we navigate uncertain times.
Celebrating Our Classes and Participants
Our classes have once again been a cornerstone of what makes NGĀ ART such a special place. Participants of all ages have poured their hearts into exploring their creativity, learning new skills, and connecting with others in our warm and welcoming environment. Whether it’s the joy of children experimenting with painting for the first time, youth delving into drama and improvisation, or seniors finding relaxation and inspiration through art, every participant has added to the vibrant fabric of our community.
We’re so proud of the incredible works that have emerged from our classes this year. From collaborative murals to individual masterpieces, our participants’ creativity never ceases to amaze us. We’re grateful to our talented tutors who guide and inspire every step of the way, and we can’t wait to see what new ideas and projects 2025 will bring.
Event Highlights
Our events have truly been a highlight of the year! The NGĀ ART Night Market & Exhibition brought together artisans, performers, and food vendors in a celebration of local talent and culture, while our exhibition openings showcased the outstanding work of our community.
Another standout moment was our Tiaho Mai – Matariki ki NGĀ ART event. This celebration of Matariki brought together whānau and friends to honor the Māori New Year with creativity and connection. It was a magical evening that showcased the strength of our community and the importance of cultural traditions.
These events continue to provide a space for connection, creativity, and celebration—a chance for our community to come together and experience the transformative power of the arts. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make these events so special.
Our Permanent Home
This year, we celebrated a significant milestone: 18 Herschel Street is now officially our permanent home. This space is more than just a building; it is a vibrant hub where creativity thrives, connections are made, and our community comes together. We’re thrilled to call it our own and look forward to making even more memories here in the years to come.
Facing Challenges Together
Despite these successes, we’re entering 2025 with significant challenges. Like many in the arts sector, we are feeling the impact of reduced funding. Next year, we will begin with much less in grants compared to 2024. This loss, combined with increased competition for funding and tightened budgets from grant providers, has forced us to take a hard look at our operations.
To ensure that NGĀ ART can continue to serve our community, we are making some necessary changes:
- Fee Increases: Unfortunately, we will need to increase our class fees by an average of 10%. This is not a decision we take lightly, but it’s essential to help cover rising costs and maintain our offerings.
- Exploring New Revenue Sources: We are actively seeking donations, sponsorships, corporate programmes, and fundraising opportunities. We welcome your ideas and support as we navigate this challenging time.
- Cost Reductions: We are carefully reviewing our operations to find savings wherever possible, ensuring we remain efficient while continuing to deliver high-quality programmes and events.
- A Reduced Team: We will have a team of four in 2025: Laura, Bernie, Monique, and Poto. This smaller team reflects the reality of our funding constraints, but we are committed to working together to continue delivering impactful programmes and events.
Looking Ahead
Despite these difficulties, we remain optimistic about the future. NGĀ ART is a vibrant organisation with an incredible team of staff, volunteers, and supporters who are committed to making a difference through creativity. Together, we can weather these challenges and continue to provide a space where art and community thrive.
Thank You
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us this year. Whether you’ve attended a class, visited an exhibition, volunteered your time, or cheered us on from afar, you are an essential part of the NGĀ ART whānau.
If you’d like to contribute to our journey into 2025, whether through donations, sponsorship, or ideas for fundraising, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together, we can ensure that NGĀ ART continues to inspire and uplift our community for years to come.
Ngā mihi nui,
The NGĀ ART Team
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