The arts have value

I don't like meetings but I was invited to one and I went as it was about an important issue. It's about proposed changes to art funding grants in my local community (Taupo District).

I had difficulty with taking in the information but I gather the Taupo District Council (TDC) is proposing merging different areas such as sport and arts (plays, music, visual arts etc) under one banner. I was triggered in the meeting, yet still encouraged to try make a submission on behalf of vulnerable people in the community who may be isolated and overlooked in favour of larger projects with more backing.

Spinning Orbit by Xanthe Wyse

When I was in an incredibly low place, unable to even cook a simple meal like a scrambled egg, or to fill out a 'simple' form, I painted so that I didn't feel like a complete 'waste of space', a 'burden' on society.

If I lived in the Netherlands (where one of my parents is from), I would likely meet 'eligibility' for 'euthanasia'. Recently, a woman with similar disabilities to me died by assisted death (legal & encouraged in some countries now for psychiatric disorders).  Clinicians say my impairments are classified as a 'mental injury' that remains despite treatment. Art has helped me to cope with very challenging circumstances.

When I painted Spinning Orbit without a paintbrush, representing how my mind felt - on fire and spinning like a circular saw, I decided then that I would have an exhibition. I didn't know how, with no money, no job, not even a set of art materials (I was using borrowed and recycled materials).

Some people in the local art community put me in touch with contacts and I applied for an art grant for my first exhibtion. Just $500, which I was granted which enabled me to buy some art materials and pay the exhibition fees. I didn't put prices on my artworks, as I didn't think they were 'good enough.'

A few years later, I applied again, for the same amount, and had a second exhibition. This time, I priced my art.

I recently heard that Andrew Welch, who apparently founded the local arts grants back in the '90s, passed away. He attended both of my art exhibitions and bought a painting from each. He told me his daughter died from bipolar disorder (which I am also diagnosed with, along with posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD).

He bought a sunflower painting, named Sunny. He said, 'She's such a joyful sunflower.' The sunflower was a metaphorical self-portrait, painted in a childlike style.

Yesterday, I climbed partway up a mountain. Today, I have been crying, since triggered at the meeting, because I know that even though it's hard for me to speak (I have communication difficulties, which can include mutism), I need to speak up. I was encouraged to indicate in my submission that I want to speak at the hearing. Well I don't actually want to but I feel like I need to. On behalf of others who may be vulnerable.

Below is a video I recorded, to process some stuff after the meeting with others in the local arts community. After this, I have included my submission to the TDC.

My submission about the arts grants

Submissions are due by 5 July 2024 and are made online via the Taupo District Council website (I searched for 'submissions'). Apparently if someone cannot make a submission online, they can have customer service person help at the council.

Not every part needs to be filled out (ie I had no view about proposals about wastewater etc).
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In the relevant parts towards the end, I made these comments under feedback:

Merging sports and arts could result in less funding for arts if decision-makers have a bias for sports.
Do agree with limits on each project. Annually is too infrequent for the arts, as things can change in a smaller time frame."

"Those who can get sponsorships etc may be selected for funding over more vulnerable people in the community. For example, individuals on low incomes, with disabilities such as mental health struggles who may otherwise be isolated. May need support to help a meaningful project take place and feel like contributing to a community. I have been a recipient of art grants for 'art as therapy exhibitions', which paid for exhibition fees and art materials. Other vulnerable people in the community may be in a similar situation and a meaningful goal to work towards can make a literal life or death difference."

I also added for any other feedback:
"Some people, including myself, on low incomes and with disabilities struggle to find somewhere safe and affordable to live. If you are looking at increasing rates, remember this is passed on by landlords to those who have no option but to rent."
(I added this as I know that TDC has a reputation of very high spending, especially on staff salaries).

There was an option to select whether wanting to speak (approx 5 minutes allowed) at the hearing. Then asking if any needs. I wrote:
"Patience, as have more difficulty with communication when stressed​." (Public speaking is especially stressful for me).
​

Pheonix Kereru & High Hopes

Phoenix Kereru is a metaphorical self-portrait, painted since the confidence gained from the exhibitions. I still have the original but have fine art prints in various sizes for sale. I recently painted High Hopes (a kereru above Mt Tauhara). The original painting and prints are available for purchase.

I don't make a living from art, even though I offer it for sale.  I will do it (create art) anyway. The arts have value - intrinsic value - whether decision-makers in positions of power and privilege value art or not. I have been an advocate for the vulnerable for over a decade, only more recently, learning to advocate for myself.

I am considering combining advocacy efforts plus my creative expression (painting, books) under the banner of Soar Purpose. Mainly advocacy about the value of the arts now, from my lived experience of the benefits of art as therapy.

YouTube, websites & blogs

My mental health channel is Bipolar Courage, which I have been trying to step away from, as people tend to pigeon-hole me with bipolar disorder. I've been in a transition for over a year from Bipolar Courage to Soar Purpose. I deleted half the videos, yet still get new subscribers.

My creative expression channel is Soar Purpose. It's easier for me to put things under one banner (the name of the banner has changed multiple times over the years, through my personal journey). I realised today, when I was encouraged to speak up, that advocacy will never really be over. I can just choose where to place my advocacy efforts.

I've also had many different blogs over the years, mostly deleted. I have been mostly blogging on this blog (.nz website) but I have another Soar Purpose blog (.com website). At this stage, I will be keeping both websites (have deleted the Bipolar Courage website).​

Update

I have since given my spoken submission. I outlined a summary in a blog post, 'Art Saved My Life'.

Phoenix Kereru

High Hopes