Fund seeks more applications
A fund supporting the arts in the Far North is calling for more applications.
The Far North Creative Communities Scheme grants Creative New Zealand funding to local art and cultural projects, but the last assessment committee meeting in Kaikohe earlier this month had just four applications, totalling just over $7000, to consider.
“It was sobering,” committee chairman Wally Hicks said.
“We had up to $11,000 to disburse. It’s the first time I can remember when applications totalled less than the funding available.”
Each of the four applicants was granted the full amount they requested.
The committee resolved to improve the user-friendliness of the online application form (tinyurl.com/scheme19) and to make committee members and the administrator more easily contactable.
“We want more applications for the next funding round, which closes Friday May 3,” Mr Hicks said.
“The scheme will have up to $15,000 available, and it’s the end of our financial year. We encourage groups and individuals to apply.”
Local arts or cultural projects that encouraged participation in local arts activities, supported diversity or enabled young people were eligible. For the next funding round, events or projects must start after the next meeting date of June 5.
Grants may cover materials, venue or equipment hire, personnel and administrative costs for short-term projects, or promotion and publicity. Groups and individuals may apply, online or by post. This month’s grants were:
$2000 to the Resilient Russell Charitable
■ Trust for the Far North Go Green Awards.
■ $1760 to Arts Far North in Kaitaia, for meditative dance classes for stroke and neurological disorder sufferers.
■ $1070 to Jill Reilly, Kaikohe, for a glass fusing workshop.
■ $2300 to the Nukes Ukulele Trio, from West Auckland, for performances at Far North schools to coincide with UpSurge — Bay of Islands Arts Festival.