Grants Available for Arts Community

The deadline for the next round of the Creative Communities NZ local funding scheme is fast approaching. Individuals and groups need to submit their applications by the end of March.

Creative New Zealand provides an annual sum to Wellington City Council to support local arts initiatives, and grants are awarded twice a year.

Projects such as workshops, performances, short-term arts events, artist in residence schemes and arts-related promotional activities are all eligible for funding.

Creative Communities Committee Chair Amanda Hereaka says that many of the summer events in Wellington were assisted by the funding scheme.

"Many of the Wellington Fringe Festival participants received funding last September in preparation for this month's performances. The next round is a great opportunity for people to apply for funding for their Dance Your Socks Off and other projects."

One group to receive funding in the last round was the New Zealand Comedy Trust which is running a project called Class Comedians.

"Class Comedians involves comedy workshops and mentoring for 10 secondary school students from around Wellington. At the end of the programme, the budding comedians get a chance to put their skills to the test with a performance at Bats theatre," says Amanda.

Creative Communities grants provide funding for projects that will enhance the local arts sector through diverse arts experiences. Eligible projects must occur in the Wellington City rate-paying area and increase community participation in the arts.

Creative Communities Wellington is holding seminars on Tuesday 28 February from 5.30pm­–7.30pm, and 10 March 2008 from 3.00pm–5.00pm to discuss the local funding scheme.

Applications for funding must be received by 5.00pm Monday
31 March. Information on the scheme and other Wellington City Council grants can be found on the Council's website www.wellington.govt.nz or people can phone the Council Grants team on (04) 499 4444.