The National Business Review Search for Exciting Companies in the Creative Industries has released findings of its new survey conducted by New River . The research methodology drew on 'the psychology of excitement' (something to do with overcoming barriers and other abstract notions), and was based on interviews with 20 senior executives, managers, directors and owners of creative organisations including art galleries, theatre companies, cultural events and creative industry organisations. The Big Idea came in at No 11 which we are very proud of, narrowly missing out on the top 10. Check out who rated....!
Image: Weta - still No 1.The National Business Review Search for Exciting Companies in the Creative Industries has released findings of its new survey conducted by New River . The research methodology drew on 'the psychology of excitement' (something to do with overcoming barriers and other abstract notions), and was based on interviews with 20 senior executives, managers, directors and owners of creative organisations including art galleries, theatre companies, cultural events and creative industry organisations. The Big Idea came in at No 11 which we are very proud of, narrowly missing out on the top 10. Check out who rated....!
Image: Weta - still No 1.The Results were:
1. Weta Workshop
2. Dawn Raid
3. Objectspace
4. Art by the Sea
5. Black Grace Dance Company
6. Douglas Wright Dance Company
7. Vortex Software
8. World of Wearable Art
9. Contemporary Fine Arts Dealers
10. Corelli School of Performing Arts
11. The Big Idea www.thebigidea.co.nz
12. Christchurch Art Gallery - Ansel Adams Exhibition
13. Festival City Productions
14. www.mitai.co.nz
Research Report
For The National Business Review February 2006
Subject: Exciting Companies
Sector: Arts and Culture Sector
Author: New River Ltd.
Queries to: Roger Parker, 09 307 5855, roger@newriver.co.nz www.newriver.co.nz
Contents
1. Summary
2. Method
3. Interviewees
4. Industry atmosphere
5. Exciting companies
6. Exciting developments
7. Most exciting companies
8. Retrospective to 2002 feature
1. Summary
Summary
International success is the common denominator amongst the very top rated companies, in this months exciting companies research. The most exciting company in the Arts and Culture Sector, according to industry insiders, is Weta Workshops, followed by South Auckland's Dawn Raid Entertainment second. Other highly rated firms are a mix of original art concepts, support for emerging artists, and producing "beautiful work".
Industry conditions have been good for Arts and Culture in the last year. That's because of a strong export market, a strong local economy, strong government support, and "lots of talent coming through". Although there are concerns about a slowdown in the local economy, which could dampen discretionary spend, and in turn, reduce Arts and Culture spend.
Retrospective
In the 2002 Arts and Culture exciting companies research, Lord of the Rings and Weta were top -and in 2006 Weta is still on top, with the other repeat top-rated business World of Wearable Arts - which ranked 3rd in 2002 and 8th in 2006.
The most exciting companies:
1. Weta Workshop
Has gone on from the Lord of the Rings to do special effects for other major film features, and is the company that "sets the standards and new industry norms"
2. Dawn Raid Entertainment
Diversified South Auckland business that's put together international deals for local music acts
3. Objectspace
Art gallery specialising in art objects, like jewellery and ceramics, as opposed to paintings. Described by one industry-insider as "beautiful work, amazing"
4. Art by the Sea
A Devonport gallery which "wows" patrons and which supports emerging artists
5. Black Grace Dance Company
Dance company with original Pacific-themed work, touring internationally and a "big hit in North America and other countries"
Most people in the Arts and Culture Sector say that conditions are buoyant at present
Key reasons for buoyancy:
Verbatim reasons for the current atmosphere in the market
5. Exciting companies
6. Exciting developments
There were five areas that executives in the Arts and Culture Sector found exciting:
1. International success and boosting New Zealand's profile
2. New formats for showing / using art e.g. Objectspace, The Big Idea
3. New technology for art e.g. Weta Workshop
4. New business models for art e.g. Dawn Raid
5. Educational initiatives e.g. Corelli School of Performing Arts.
The most frequently mentioned exciting development was international success.
7. Most exciting companies
The companies that most excited executives were:
Verbatim reasons interviewees gave on why these businesses are exciting:
1. Weta Workshop
2. Dawn Raid Entertainment
3. Objectspace
4. Art by the Sea
5. Black Grace Dance Company
8. Retrospective to 2002 feature
Objectspace
Objectspace, a unique and dedicated centre for craft and design, was considered the 3rd most exciting 'company' in the arts and cultural sector after Weta Workshop (1) and Dawn Raid (2).
"This is a wonderful acknowledgement for a very small organisation that only opened its doors less than two years ago" says Objectspace Director Philip Clarke.
"This accolade recognizes that Objectspace is a highly focused organisation committed to supporting innovative practice, which with the strong backing of makers and designers, Creative New Zealand, Allied Domecq and The Cube, has quickly and positioned itself as an essential part of the arts infrastructure."
Contemporary Fine Arts Dealers Association
The CFADA committee is delighted to receive this NBR certificate as one of the top ten companies for the Arts and Culture sector.
Since establishing the first association of professional galleries in New Zealand only 18 months ago we have worked with the Auckland Art Fair Trust to organise and host the first international art fair for New Zealand in Auckland and worked with the Artists Alliance to produce a Code of Practice for the Visual Arts.
CFADA has provided a vital point of contact for the media, council and government departments and is in demand for information on the visual arts sector generally.
The Association is organised entirely by volunteers, our members offer a wealth of experience, all have at least ten and some in excess of 20 years experience
in the visual arts professional community.