Age-old technique of Aut revived
MEDIA RELEASE
Release date: Tuesday 9 August
2011
Age-old technique of Aute benefits from Creative Communities Funding
The age-old technique of Aute has been brought back to life thanks to a Creative Communities grant. Aute is the cloth made from Mulberry bark and created through beating the bark and scraping the resulting material with shells to thin it out and make pliable. After researching this technique Cherie Te Rore was keen to provide an opportunity for these skills to be experienced by our community. She applied for the grant last year and an Aute workshop has now been held.
The
cloth created at the workshop was used to create a series of
hats or pōtae that Māori would have historically used for
ceremonial purposes. “Aute is a time-consuming but
satisfying technique that produces a unique cloth,” says
Ms Te Rore. “This is a pilot project which we hope to
explore further. Watch this space.”
Applications are
invited from all arts based individuals and groups for
funding from the Creative Communities scheme. A Creative New
Zealand initiative administered by Gisborne District
Council, the scheme encourages art focused projects that
have broad community involvement.
Applications are considered by local people with knowledge and experience of the arts in the Gisborne region. The assessment group looks for opportunities to support the diverse arts and cultural traditions of our region and projects that encourage young people to get involved in a creative activity.
The funding round is open now and Council must receive the applications by 5 pm on Friday 30th September. “It is a significant contributor to local arts with about $12,500 available twice a year. Council’s website has information about the types of activities or projects that might be funded and also what can’t be funded,” says community development officer Barbara Dockley. “If someone has a good idea but wants to run it pass someone; I am here to help. I can also assist people to complete the application form if they contact me before the closing date.”
Application forms and further details are available from Council’s website or Customer Services in Fitzherbert Street and Council’s Te Puia Springs office.
ENDS