Otago Polyfest Calls For Investment In Regional ArtsTe Mana Āhua Ake Charitable Trust recently received news that the application to the Creative New Zealand (CNZ) Arts Organisations and Groups Fund for the Otago Polyfest was unsuccessful. The Otago Polyfest is calling on the government to increase the support for the arts and for Creative New Zealand to re-evaluate how it invests in regional arts and cultural platforms. “The Otago Polyfest has been a beating heart of our region for decades. This festival serves as a crucial touchstone for Otago youth, providing a dedicated space for belonging, language, leadership, and intergenerational wellbeing. Beyond being a mere date on the calendar, the Otago Polyfest embodies 33 years of community investment, stewardship, and cultural advancement.