On 16th March 2021, we held a debate as part of the Auckland Arts Festival, with our partners Auckland Live. The topic was ‘Are the Arts essential?’, facilitating discussion around the importance that the arts play in our lives. Hosted by Tanea Heke, it featured Amber Curren, Madeleine Chapman and Eli Matthewson for the affirmative team, and James Nokise, Alice Canton and Toby Manhire for the negative team. Below are a selection of highlights from the debate.