Author Advocates for Arts Support Amid Challenges in New Zealand

The literary landscape in New Zealand faces significant challenges, according to award-winning author Elizabeth Smither. Despite the release of her latest book, Angel Train, on November 14, 2023, Smither highlights the struggles many writers encounter in sustaining their careers through writing alone. She underscores the necessity for increased public and private support for the arts.

Challenges for Writers in New Zealand

Smither, who has served as a poet laureate and has an extensive publishing history, notes that even established poets and novelists often find it difficult to thrive economically from their craft. “Unless a writer manages to become a best-seller and move thousands of copies, they need to have a side gig,” she said, reflecting on the current state of literary arts.

Despite the rise of digital reading platforms, Smither remains optimistic about the future of books. She asserts, “I think the book is something that will always survive. There’s something beautiful about books.” However, she acknowledges that the current market in New Zealand lacks sufficient readership, stating, “We just don’t have enough people, and not enough people buying books at the moment.”

Smither advocates for a stronger commitment to the arts from both the government and private sectors. “It would be really nice if the Government was more supportive of them. I think we give a lot of support to sport, but culture is very important as well,” she added.

The Role of Private Patronage

In her vision for revitalizing the arts, Smither emphasizes the potential of private patronage. She suggests that companies with healthy financial standings could sponsor writers, stating, “If each of them sponsored a writer, it would be a wonderful thing.” A modest contribution, such as $10,000, could significantly enhance a writer’s ability to focus on their craft, allowing them to dedicate more time to writing.

Smither points out that many authors struggle to earn a living solely from writing. “Most writers have to have a job because they just can’t make a living from writing,” she explained. This financial strain often limits the time they can commit to their creative work.

The importance of financial support in the arts is underscored by prestigious awards like the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction, which offers a substantial prize of $65,000, and the Sargeson Prize, which provides $15,000 for short stories. This year, author Becky Manawatu won the Sargeson Prize, adding to her accolades, which include the Keri Hulme award for her second novel, awarded every two years and valued at $5,000.

Smither herself has received recognition for her work, winning the New Zealand Book Awards for poetry three times: in 1990, 2000, and 2018. Since her debut collection, Here Come the Clouds, published in 1975, she has authored 19 poetry collections, seven short story collections, six novels, and one non-fiction book.

Insights from ‘Angel Train’

In her new book, Angel Train, Smither explores themes of friendship and personal struggle, drawing from her experiences during a tour of the UK in 2004. The novella addresses the profound impact of relationships, particularly in the context of illness, as exemplified by her late friend, poet Julia Darling, who passed away from breast cancer in 2005.

Smither recalls the brief but meaningful connection she shared with Darling, stating, “We got to know and like each other very much.” Darling’s journey inspired the character Lissy Snow in Angel Train, which also features stories about a Tasmanian highwayman and women seeking freedom from societal constraints.

As the literary community grapples with financial instability, Smither’s call for greater support resonates. The arts, she argues, are vital to culture and deserve attention and resources comparable to those afforded to sports. Her insights serve as a reminder of the crucial role that writers and artists play in shaping society, even amid economic challenges.