Grants timely boost for Cultural and Creative Industry
Seven businesses (culture and art) were awarded grants by the European Union (EU) in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC) yesterday.
Five of which were awarded to Fiji businesses.
This is through the Enhancing the Capacity for the Sustainability of Cultural and Creative Industries in the Pacific grant scheme.
The grant will boost the seven businesses enabling them to expand and grow.
It was divided into three categories including;
■Small Grant: 5,000-12,000 Euro (11,000 – 28,000 FJD)
■Medium Grant: 12,001 – 70,000 Euro (28,000 – 164,000 FJD)
■Large Grant: 70,001 – 180,000 Euro (164,000 – 425,000 FJD)
Pacific Community (SPC) Human Rights and Social Development Division director Miles Young said the protection and promotion of positive expression of culture was a key part of their
work.
“The culture and creative industry is an important part of the pacific community but not enough spotlight and attention has been given to it,” Mr Young said.
“We fully recognize the growth and efforts that the creative industries play which contribute effectively to economic growth.” The scheme seeks to increase the contribution of the cultural and creative sector to economic development; and enhance recognition of its role in national economies in the Pacific.
The Head of the Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific Sujiro Seam, said with its 27 Member States the European Union was a strong promoter of cultural diversity.
He said cultural and creative industries suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic and the EU was proud to support the seven recipients.
The grants will enable these organisations to generate income and jobs and promote the art and identity of the Pacific.
One of the recipients was TABS Investment Fiji. Project manager Nash Fong said the grant would help them achieve two outputs;
■ upcycle mahogany offcuts into ukuleles
■ create an e-commerce platform to access international trade.
The seven grant recipients; Small grants:
■ Motiv8 Productions Fiji
■ Tabs Investment Fiji
Medium grants:
■Film Fiji focus on a Producers Accelerator Programme
■Film Fiji Script Development Programme
■iTaukei Trust Fund Fiji
PNG Highlands Adventure
Large grant:
■Save Papua New Guinea (PNG).