GRANT FOR ORCHESTRA

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32879, 30 March 1972, Page 16

GRANT FOR ORCHESTRA

No change by Arts Council (N.Z. Press Association/ WELLINGTON, March 29. The Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council deeply regretted the decision of the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation to cease direct financial support to the regional orchestras in Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin after March 31, 1973, the chairman of the council (Mr W. N. Sheat) said in a statement. Mr Sheat said his council had always regarded the N.Z.B.C. as an essential partner in the regional orchestra matching grants from local scheme, which involved bodies, the corporation, and the council. “I should make it clear that we do not intend to withdraw our share of support to orchestras. It is with great sorrow, however, that we have learned that because of its financial situation the corporation feels unable to continue with the scheme next year,” he said. Mr Sheat said the responsibility now lay with the orchestras to secure their own future, and it was obvious that 1972 would be a year of challenge for them. “It means that they should not only approach the N.Z.B.C. on their own behalf to discuss planning and development in the future. They should also intensify their efforts to increase support from local bodies and business concerns. “The success orchestras have in accomplishing this will show whether or not they have been building on firm foundations during the many years they have received support from both the N.Z.B.C. and the arts council,” he said.