Cash for creativity

Auckland City is now inviting applications for its next round of Creative Communities funding.

Round two opens on 28 June 2004 and closes on 6 August 2004. Funding is for arts-related projects taking place between 1 November 2004 and 1 December 2005.

Individuals or art groups can apply for arts funding for projects that either: increase participation in the arts increase the range and diversity of the arts available to communities, or enhance and strengthen the local arts sector.

All projects must benefit residents of Auckland City.

Creative Communities recently funded the Once Upon an Island Storytelling Festival held on Waiheke Island. The festival included storytelling, story walks, a storytelling workshop and evening story telling.

Event organiser and storyteller, Tanya Batt, says the festival was a huge success and that the response from the community has been fantastic, with repeated requests for the festival to become an annual event.

“Our Once Upon an Island – Waiheke Storytelling Festival began with Creative Communities funding and ended “happily ever after”. We are delighted that several classes at the local school are following through with a focus on traditional stories and storytelling in response to the festival”, says Ms Batt.

The last Creative Communities funding round saw $105,847.19 provided to 79 organisational projects.

A series of public information sessions will be held in July, and these will be advertised in City Scene and local newspapers.

Creative Communities funding is just one way Auckland City is supporting community groups. Community Board Local Funding applications are also open, closing on Friday 23 July 2004. Community groups can apply to this funding scheme for financial assistance on projects that benefit areas like music and arts, culture, sport, health and education.

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