New community arts fund announced

A new $250,000 fund aimed at boosting community arts in Christchurch is part of a joint initiative between Christchurch City Council and Creative New Zealand.

The one-off Community Arts Development Fund (CADF) is aimed at supporting projects that will investigate, grow and promote community arts opportunities in the wider Christchurch area.

The fund, which is open to individuals, groups and organisations, has been made available by Creative New Zealand and will be administered by Christchurch City Council.

Up to $25,000 is available to individual applicants, with no upper limit to the amount that groups or organisations can request.

Dr Karleen Edwards, Christchurch City Council Chief Executive, says the fund will provide greater opportunities for communities to develop new arts initiatives and projects.

“Art and culture have always played an important role in communities throughout Christchurch, and even more so since the earthquakes, which damaged or destroyed a lot of community art,” she says.

“It’s hoped that this new fund will inspire people to develop arts-focussed initiatives that engage and build stronger relationships with their community.

“From online arts forums or professional development programmes for local artists who work with communities, through to youth-led arts projects or commissioned artworks — the possibilities for funding are endless.”

Creative New Zealand’s Chief Executive, Stephen Wainwright, says the CADF initiative resulted from extensive engagement with community artists and community arts organisations across the Christchurch, Waimakariri and Selwyn districts.

“We have seen Christchurch leading the way with some extraordinary community arts activity in recent years and we are delighted that this fund will ensure momentum is maintained,” he says.

Applications for funding close 15 June 2015.
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