New Waves: Meeting the growing hunger for Asian art in Aotearoa report

Commissioned by the Asia New Zealand Foundation and written by Rosabel Tan, the New Waves report offers unique insight into New Zealand’s changing relations with and in Asia through the arts and how those relations are changing the nature of what is happening in New Zealand.

The report highlights a global shift in cultural influences, with Asian artistic expressions gaining greater recognition internationally. This shift is reflected in New Zealand, where mediums like K-Pop, Anime and Bollywood are finding a wider audience, but also influencing what New Zealand artists are producing. However, the report also reveals a significant gap between the growing interest and the current offerings available. Author Rosabel Tan notes, 'New Zealanders are eager to engage with Asian art in various forms, and yet this demand remains unmet.' The report proposes practical recommendations to address this gap and encourage deeper engagement with Asian art.

For practitioners and programmers, this report sets out a comprehensive picture of the opportunities on offer in Asia, as well as recommendations for how those working in the arts sector can better serve this growing demand in New Zealand. For policymakers, it identifies the need for an overarching strategy when it comes to growing meaningful connections between arts practitioners and programmers in Asia and New Zealand. 

New Waves features interviews with experts across Asia, New Zealand and Australia as well as case studies on Japan, Korea, India and Australia.

The report is accompanied by a funding guide between New Zealand and Asia and a video of the panel discussion held at the PANNZ Arts Market to launch the New Waves report.

Download the report