Fly My Pretties and that Scottish play in Christchurch

Grants bring Fly My Pretties and that Scottish play to Christchurch

Creative New Zealand has approved more than $100,000 in the latest round of eight earthquake emergency assistance grants to help re-establish an active arts scene in Christchurch.

Grants include up to $33,000 to underwrite two Fly My Pretties shows at the Geo Dome in Hagley Park in October, and $16,500 towards a production of Macbeth by Lyttleton’s Loons Circus Theatre Company.

Fly My Pretties’ 16-strong cast will perform their multi-media music show in Christchurch as part of their national tour. Meanwhile The Loons Circus Theatre Company, described as one of the city’s ‘artistic treasures’, will perform their version of the Scottish play as part of the Christchurch Arts Festival.

“The power of the arts to help entertain and provide a diversion from the enormous difficulties people are facing is essential at this time,” said Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright.

“We are also pleased to provide support to Riki Manuel and the Te Toi Mana Art Gallery which have played such an important part in promoting Maori arts in the city,” he said.

Since September 2010, Creative New Zealand has provided more than $810,000 in grants to artists, arts practitioners, and arts organisations directly affected by the Christchurch earthquakes through its Earthquake Emergency Response Fund.

The fund was established in addition to Creative New Zealand’s existing funding programmes, including the Creative Communities Scheme.

Information about eligibility criteria for the Earthquake Emergency Response Fund and how to apply can be found on the Creative New Zealand website.

List of recipients, activity and amounts:

• Fly My Pretties: to underwrite two concerts at the Geo Dome, Hagley Park in October, $33,180

• Julia Morrison: towards new work for an exhibition, $12,000

• Te Toi Mana Maori: towards the cost of relocating a home studio and loss of earnings from the closure of the Te Toi Mana Art Gallery (located in the Christchurch Arts Centre), $20,000

• The Loons Circus Theatre Company: towards a production of Macbeth at the Christchurch Arts Festival, $16,500

• Aileen O’Sullivan: towards a charity screening of Ngaio Marsh – Crime Queen, $5000

• Caroline Billing: towards loss of earnings and the development pop-up exhibitions, $8000

• Helm Ruifrok: towards studio running costs and replacement of materials, $3500

• Marie Le Lievre: towards new work for a public gallery show in Australia, $5000
ends