Arts funding gathering momentum
The Far North Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) received 13 applications for its June funding round, twice as many as in March, which indicated that earlier publicity may have reached its target audience.
After one withdrawal the committee considered 12 applications when it met in Kaikohe last week, granting funds to eight, all but one of them first-time applicants.
Marae-based arts for young people, Maranga Ake Expressive Arts (Opononi/Waimamaku) and Whakawhiti Ora Pai (Te Kao) received $2325 and $1685 respectively, while the K-Town Youth Trust’s mural project in Kaeo was granted $1000. The Illumination Workshop Trust’s Shine Your Light project for children received $2500.
Kaikohe carver Graham Wells Dalton was granted $1210 for his exhibition No Taaporepore Ki Te Hokianga, and Pa¯ te Aroha Weavers received $1200 towards weaving Whariki for Matai Aranui Marae at Whirinaki. Bay of Islands Singers received $1200 for Sacred Music at Waimate North, and the Bay of Islands-Kaikohe Photography Club $396 towards a photobook Bay of Islands: Past & Present.
“We were thrilled to have so many diverse and interesting new applicants,” CCS chairman Wally Hicks said.
“Allocating contestable funding can be extremely challenging.
“We had applications for $54,000 and only $11,500 to disburse. Our two criteria, young people and diversity, came to the fore this time, although our other criteria, participation, certainly wasn’t neglected.”
Applications for the next round of funding close on August 3, with the committee scheduled to sit on September 4.
Mr Hicks reminded potential applicants that their project must begin after the meeting date, September 4, and to include quotes for budget expenses and financial statements if they were a group or organisation.
Go to www.fndc.govt.nz/ services/community/creativecommunities-scheme for the application form and funding guidelines.