Arts, Culture & Recreation

Strategy Development for the Arts

Arts and culture infrastructure, organisations and programmes operate in a complex and ever-evolving environment. 

Digital disruption, changing audience expectations, diversity imperatives and other sector trends offer opportunities as well as challenges. 

Sapere can provide credible, informed analysis of the arts industry to assist with making better strategic choices.

What we do

Sapere works with government agencies and sector bodies, providing independent analysis and advice to the arts and culture sector.

We help to develop impactful and sustainable infrastructure, organisations and programmes fostering arts, culture and creative industries.

Our services include strategy development, business case development, financial and economic analysis, programme evaluation, sector analysis and more.

Examples of our work in arts and culture

  • Program Logic Mapping for creative infrastructure projects for Create NSW
  • Research and analysis on competition-related issues in NZ’s media system, with a particular focus on the market for news and public interest journalism
  • Business case development support, cost-benefit analysis and financial analysis for major creative infrastructure proposals for Create NSW 
  • External evaluation of Co-Curious’ Stories from Another Australia writer development programme
  • Evaluation of the NZ Screen Production Grant, for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment 
  • Economic impact and growth potential of the NZ interactive media industry, for NZ Tech.
Sapere brings impartial analysis and strategic development to create sustainable infrastructure to the vibrant world of the arts, culture, and creative industries.
A close-up of an orchestra's string section, focusing on several musicians playing violins. Their hands and instruments are prominently visible, and the background is blurred, highlighting the intense concentration and coordination among the players, showcasing a beautiful blend of arts and culture.

Key contacts

Matt Balmford

David Graham

Sally Carrick

John Wallace

William Li

Some of our recent articles of interest

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Staff spotlight – Dr Julius Ohrnberger

Spotlighting Managing Consultant Dr. Julius Ohrnberger, his passion for research, making a difference, and his dream to dine with Kupe, New Zealand’s first Māori explorer.
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A neat workspace featuring a wooden pencil holder with pencils, papers, two rolls of tape, a clipboard, a ruler, and sketch paper with a drawing that hints at expert guidance. A binder clip completes the scene, all bathed in bright natural light.

Setting project and program governance up for success: Sapere’s expert guide

Sapere’s Good Governance Guide helps project leaders improve governance by ensuring clear objectives, realistic constraints, effective leadership, risk management, and proper decision-making structures.
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Powering the future: Key challenges and insights for New Zealand’s energy market

The article highlights New Zealand’s energy challenges, emphasising the need for secure, reliable electricity amidst decarbonisation, market uncertainty, and regulatory reform to support long-term investment and energy security.
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A woman with a backpack poses on a rocky terrain. She wears sunglasses and a sunhat, smiling at the camera. A nearby photo frame says, "Meet Sue Friend." The landscape in the background is arid and scrubby.

Staff spotlight – Sue Friend

This month we spotlight Sue Friend, a Managing Director in our Forensics team. Sue shares her love of the outdoors and hiking and finds this brings balance to her work at Sapere.
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Customer survey to monitor engagement

Thinking about utility customer engagement

In this article Dr Richard Tooth examines developments in how regulated utilities engage with their customers, the problem of uninformed respondent bias and other issues.
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A stethoscope used for both private and public health.

Sunset review of the regulations for Victorian private health service establishments

  • Client: Victorian Department of Health
This report analyses proposed changes to Victoria's Health Service Establishment Regulations, focusing on improving clinical governance, safety, and quality. The RIS reviewed the impact of these changes and provided recommendations.
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A man with short hair and a mustache is sitting on a couch, holding a baby and reading a book titled "My First Engine." The baby is nestled against the man, looking at the book. Both appear to be engaged in the story.

Staff spotlight – Dr Jamie O’Hare

This month, we spotlight Dr Jamie O'Hare, Managing Economist and proud new dad to baby Stirling, as he shares his professional insights and personal joys.
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Distilling success for Victorian spirit exports

  • Client: Agriculture Victoria
The Australian craft distillery sector has grown significantly, with Victoria now having 188 distilleries. Sapere, commissioned by Agriculture Victoria, identified priority markets and developed market entry strategies for Victorian spirit exporters.
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