What is the role of the arts sector in a pandmeic world? That was the issue at the heart of the discussion at the Are the Arts Essential debate recorded at the Auckland Arts Festival in cooperation with Auckland Live. Six debaters lined up on the 16th of March at the Civic Club to passionately argue that the arts are, or are not, essential. They discuss what role the arts play in our day-to-day lives, how we would fare without them, and the economic, social and emotional benefit to New Zealand of a flourishing creative sector. On the affirmative team: Amber Curren, Madeleine Chapman and Eli Matthewson while James Nokise, Alice Canton and Toby Mahnire were on the negative team. Tanea Heke head of Toi Whakaari:New Zealand Drama School was the MC.