Creative New Zealand Earthquake Grants Announced

10 July 2012

Creative New Zealand Earthquake Grants Announced

Creative New Zealand has provided more than $290,000 in Earthquake Emergency Assistance Grants since December to support the arts in Christchurch.

Urban artists Gap Filler received $100,000 towards creative projects they are developing in vacant spaces around Christchurch. The grant, over two years, will allow the group to expand their innovative schemes for the city’s regeneration.

Gap Filler began in response to the 2010 earthquake and works with community groups, artists, architects and others to temporarily activate vacant spaces in Christchurch. Among their initiatives is Dance-O-Mat, a dance floor with coin operated lighting and sound courtesy of a converted washing machine. Dance-O-Mat was created in response to the loss of many of the dance studios and performance spaces around the city.

“We really hope to demonstrate that temporary creative projects can enliven and regenerate the city and that by giving people the opportunity to contribute, you are connecting people with that recovery,” says Gap Filler’s director and co-founder, Coralie Winn.

Other grants from December 2011 to June 2012 include $30,000 for the Christchurch Primary Schools Cultural Festival to help run their annual event for Canterbury’s primary and intermediate pupils. The Contemporary Circus Trust gained $9,129 towards the rental and fit-out of a new venue, which will provide a central hub for circus practitioners throughout the city. The Trust provides circus programmes and workshops for Christchurch youth, especially those in low-decile areas. Strike Percussion received $54,520 towards loss of income as a direct result of the earthquakes.

“This has been a hugely challenging and stressful time for artists and arts organisations. It’s heartening to see the how artists continue to find new and innovative ways to work in response to these challenges – and to engage and enliven the local community,’’ says Gail Richards, Creative New Zealand’s Manager, Arts Funding.

Creative New Zealand has given more than $1.9m in grants to artists, arts practitioners and arts organisations directly affected by the Canterbury earthquakes since 2010.The Earthquake Emergency Response Fund was established in addition to Creative New Zealand’s existing funding programmes. Creative New Zealand is currently reviewing the Earthquake Emergency Response Fund’s criteria to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to developing needs.

For information about eligibility and how to apply go to www.creativenz.govt.nz/earthquakegrants

ENDS

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