A newly launched creative service aims to support up to 1000 creative careers across three regions over, the next two years.

Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage and Social Development Carmel Sepuloni launched a new Creative Careers Service on Sunday.

The new service builds on the most successful aspects of the former Pathways to Arts and Cultural Experience (PACE) programme.

Manatu Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage and the Ministry for Social Development have partnered to pilot the service.

'COVID-19 has been tough on many creative people in New Zealand, who are often self-employed contractors and freelancers relying on non-creative work for income,” says Sepuloni.

'The Creative Careers Service recognises the importance of supporting people to pursue their creative ambitions, and to retain or regain employment without needing to go onto a benefit.

'The service is for MSD job seekers in the pilot regions, recent creative graduates who are outside the benefit system, as well as creative sector workers who have had their work opportunities reduced due to Covid-19.”

Participants will benefit from learning how to apply complementary skills in the areas of business management, contract negotiation, marketing, networking, applying for funding, and linking people to employment opportunities.

'The service will also tailor career advice according to the individual's career aspirations, giving them an opportunity to extend their knowledge and gain sustainable employment in their chosen creative field.

"Participants will be able to develop their skills and talents, equipping them to work and thrive in the arts and creative sector,” says Sepuloni.

'As we get through Covid-19, the Government is committed to valuing the contribution creatives make to New Zealand's wellbeing and economy.

'While this is a pilot service, I'm keen to look at the potential of it being rolled out nationwide so that we're nurturing people's creative talents across Aotearoa.

We want to make sure that those people with the skills and talent to work and thrive in the arts and creative sector have the opportunity to do so,” says Sepuloni.

The pilot is initially being delivered by Depot Artspace in North and Central Auckland, Ngahere Communities in South Auckland, and The Big Idea in East and West Auckland.

Creative Waikato will be offering the service from Monday February 22, with plans to also extend the pilot to Nelson in early March.

Eligible participants will be able to sign up for the programme from February 2021.

Further information on the service, including details on local providers, can be found here.

Creatives in Auckland, Waikato, and Nelson with relevant experience or qualifications who would like to be involved can contact their local provider directly or their MSD case manager, if receiving a benefit, to find out more.

Further information on the service, including details on local providers, can be found here.

Background information on the Creative Careers Service and other Arts and Culture COVID Recovery Programme initiatives is available here.