Arts and war commemorations get funding boost

Buses, World War I centenary commemorations and out-there arts projects are among the latest cultural events to receive funding from the Wellington Regional Amenities Fund.

With a pool of $971,000 the funding committee awarded money to 11 projects.

The projects are Circa Theatre, $ 150,000 for its refurbishment project; Creative Capital Arts Trust, $34,000 for the 2015 Fringe Festival; Mahara Gallery, $55,000 for its project manager position; New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, $30,000 for Gallipoli centenary commemorations; Te Papa, $ 130,000 for Matariki 2015; Wairarapa Arts Festival Trust, $47,000 for part of the 2015 Kokomai Creative Festival; Toi Maori Market, $ 125,000 for 2014 Maori Arts Market; Wellington Lux Festival, $100,000 for next year’s event; Orchestra Wellington, $100,000 for outreach and community development; Wellington Zoo and Zealandia, $100,000 for Nature Connections project; Wellington Museums Trust, $100,000 for 150 Year: 150 Buses pilot project.

Wellington mayor Celia Wade- Brown, who chairs the fund, said the funding helped make Wellington region a great place to live. ‘‘ The fund has been a real catalyst for the Wellington region and it’s particularly pleasing the way it has created regional connections,’’ she said.

‘‘The region has an abundance of interesting events and attractions that make our region a great place to live, work and play.’’

An example of the benefit to the whole region was the Nature Connections project, she said, which has nature reserves in the region working together.