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Cash in on your creative talent

29 Jan 2008
The Auckland City Council is inviting applications for the first round of funding for this year's Creative Communities scheme. Funding is available for projects that encourage active…

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The Big Idea Editor

The Auckland City Council is inviting applications for the first round of funding for this year's Creative Communities scheme.

Funding is available for projects that encourage active participation in the arts at a local level, allowing people to develop their artistic skills and diverse art projects that will benefit the community.The Auckland City Council is inviting applications for the first round of funding for this year's Creative Communities scheme.

Funding is available for projects that encourage active participation in the arts at a local level, allowing people to develop their artistic skills and diverse art projects that will benefit the community.Groups and individuals with arts-related projects taking place between 1 June 2008 and 1 May 2009 are encouraged to apply. The projects must benefit Auckland city residents and demonstrate artistic merit, innovation and good project management.

Gail Richards, the council's arts services manager, says the scheme encourages people to make the most of their own creative talents in a way that involves members of the local community.

"The funding helps groups or individuals to get their projects off the ground. These can be new projects or fresh ideas that expand on existing arts ventures," says Ms Richards.

Creative Communities is a partnership between Creative New Zealand and Auckland City Council. In the last funding round in October 2007, $111,000 was allocated to 67 community art groups.

Projects that received funding included:

  • Script development workshops for Asian writers run by the Oryza Foundation
  • An exhibition showcasing the work of 10 migrant artists at Artstation
  • Business of Arts seminars in business skills for community and professional arts groups, administrators and practitioners
  • Voice of Wesley youth programme of weekly workshops in music, song writing and poetry at the Wesley Community Centre.

    • "If you have an idea for a project, I encourage you to talk with our arts and funding advisor, who can help shape your idea to increase your chances of receiving funding," says Ms Richards.

    Groups interested in applying are invited to attend one of seven free public information sessions, where they can learn more about the application process and discuss potential projects with the arts and funding advisor.

    Applications for the first round of these bi-annual grants close on Friday, 7 March at 5pm.

    More information: Auckland City Council funding website or phone 379 2020.

    Public information sessions

    Thursday, 7 February at 12pm
    Otahuhu Town Hall Community Centre
    Lower conference room
    10 High Street
    Otahuhu

    Monday, 11 February at 6pm
    Avondale Community Centre
    Rosebank room
    99 Rosebank Road
    Avondale
    Mandarin interpreter available

    Thursday, 14 February at 12pm
    Fickling Convention Centre
    Waikowhai room
    546 Mt Albert Road
    Three Kings

    Thursday, 21 February at 6pm
    Onehunga Community Centre
    83 Church Street
    Onehunga

    Wednesday, 27 February at 2pm
    TAPAC Auckland Performing Arts Centre
    100 Motions Road
    Western Springs

    Thursday, 28 February at 12.30pm
    Artworks Theatre
    2 Korora Road
    Oneroa
    Waiheke

    Monday, 3 March at 12.30pm
    Orakei Community Centre
    156 Kepa Road
    Orakei

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