MEDIA RELEASE

11 July 2005

Cash for creativity

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

Individuals or 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.

The funding is for local arts-related projects that benefit residents of Auckland city and take place between 1 June 2005 and 1 June 2006.

Last year Creative Communities funding allocated $221,273 to 156 arts community projects including Dance Aotearoa NZ (DANZ).

Executive Director of DANZ, Tania Kopytho, says: “This is the first time that we have been able to run workshops for young dancers at our National Dance Conference, this year being held on 13 and 14 July.

"The focus of the conference used to be on dance teachers but we really wanted to get young people involved. We'll be fostering their talent by encouraging them to share their own skills with others and learn by working with New Zealand's best and most influential in the dance industry.

“The Creative Communities funding meant we could give scholarships to young people from very diverse backgrounds who show great promise but wouldn't normally be able to afford to attend these workshops.

"We want people to see New Zealand's budding young talent so we have included a public performance from them as part of the conference. We encourage everyone to come – the more the merrier!"

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

Applications close at 4.30pm on Friday, 19 August 2005.

Creative Communities funding is just one way Auckland City is supporting community groups.

For more details about the Creative Communities or other community funding schemes, visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/grantsandfunding or phone 379 2020.

Ends

DANZ public performance details:
Date: Thurs 14 July 2005
Time: 5-6pm
Venue: Unitec Theatre, Gate 1, Carrington Rd
Contact: Tania Kopytho on 027 631 0105

Public Information Sessions
12-1pm Tuesday 26 July 2005
TAPAC Studio 2
100 Motions Road
Western Springs

12-1pm Thursday 28 July 2005
Ruapotaka Marae
106 Line Road
Glenn Innes

12-1pm Tuesday 2 August 2005
Avondale Community Centre
99 Rosebank Road
Avondale

6-7pm Thursday 4 August 2005
Freemans Bay Community Centre Function Room
52 Hepburn St
Freemans Bay

6-7pm Wednesday 10 August 2005
Onehunga Community Centre
83 Church Street
Onehunga