Artists Meet Council

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32126, 23 October 1969, Page 1

Artists Meet Council

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Oct. 22. More regionalism in the arts and in Arts Council activities -was urged by a six-man deputation from the Artists, Critics and Teachers for Action organisation which met the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council, and the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Seath), today. The organisation, which claims to represent 3000 persons involved in the arts throughout the country, said its meetings today were the I result of widespread dissatis-

faction with actions, policy and administration of the council.

A spokesman for the deputation, Professor A. S. G. Green, of Auckland University, said tonight that the question of regional machinery for the council was discussed at both meetings. “We are basically concerned that the council’s policy is becoming tied to economic progress rather than to the goal of achieving the highest possible artistic standards,” he said. There had been a great deal of discussion with the council on its retail stores arts promotion scheme and “very strong basic disagreement” had emerged.

“But at least the issues were clarified by the meeting,” Professor Green said.

Asked if the deputation was satisfied by the outcome of both meetings, he said: ‘Yes, to the extent that we could discuss these questions with the council without a brawl developing. “The effectiveness of the meeting can only be judged by the council’s future actions.”