Event fund deadline looms

EVENT organisers have until the end of this month to apply for sponsorship through the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s event fund.

The fund aimed to support new events and help develop existing events to bring more economic benefit to the district.

Council arts and events facilitator Jan Maxwell said previous funds had been allocated to increasing the diversity of events in the district.

‘‘By supporting and growing our events offering we’ll see many economic, social and cultural benefits.

‘‘These grants are a solid reinvestment into this community and we’re looking forward to this year’s applications.’’

Last year $583,500 was approved for 17 major events, including the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup, Warbirds over Wanaka, the Winter Games, the NZ Golf Open and the Luma Southern Lights Project.

Mrs Maxwell encouraged event organisers to contact the council’s event office before making an application to ensure they were ‘‘putting their best foot forward’’ and had all information ready before submitting an application.

Applications for up to $30,000 are considered by the events funding panel, while applications for larger amounts are determined by the full council.

Applications for amounts up to $5000 can be considered at any time during the year and the support was provided by way of ‘‘in kind’’ assistance with QLDC managed venues, facilities and support towards permits and consents, rather than as a cash grant.

Full information on the funding criteria and application process was available on the council website.

Applications close on April 30 and funding would be confirmed by the end of June.