Funding boost available for local art projects

Ōpōtiki District Council administers funding received from Creative NZ to Zealand to help support individuals, groups or organisations with local art projects.

Applications for this year's funding are open next week, Monday 25 September 2023, and close on Friday 27 October 2023.

Ōpōtiki District Council’s Executive Support Officer, Mercedes Neems, says that the funding has helped numerous local projects in the past.

“Ōpōtiki has an incredible and diverse arts scene and this funding only adds to that. Sometimes it’s the push people need to get their project off the ground.

Research shows that art in the community is beneficial both for individuals and the community as a whole. A healthy arts scene is strongly linked to healthy communities.

There is approximately $20,000 to allocate each year, from two funding rounds. Projects such as art, dance, drama, literature, music, seminars, workshops, community art and cultural events may be eligible.

All applications are considered by an assessment committee made up of dedicated representatives from the Ōpōtiki district.

Details including application forms, eligibility criteria and guidelines are available on the Ōpōtiki District Council website.

Festival Fund

In addition, there is specific funding available for festivals. The festival fund is a one-off funding boost, to support already-establishedfestivals that continue to be impacted by the effects of COVID-19.

Applicants can apply using the Creative Communities Scheme application form, ensuring they include the word ‘festival’ in the title and project description. There is approximately $6,500 to be allocated within the 2023/2024 Financial year. This will be distributed through the two Creative New Zealand funding rounds.

To apply, applicants must have delivered a festival at least once in the last five years and must include evidence of this in their application. A festival (for the purpose of this fund) involves an integrated programme of events/activities featuring one or more art forms, that takes place within a defined area or region over a designated period of time.

For further information and details, please visit the Creative Communities Scheme page on the Ōpōtiki District Council website or email MercedesN@odc.govt.nz.