Keeping communities creative

May 16, 2005

An art historian, Lake House, children's theatre and the United Sri Lankan Association have all received grants in the latest round of the Creative Communities Scheme.

In total 23 individuals and groups received $44,000 provided by Creative New Zealand, but distributed by North Shore City Council.

At its meeting on Thursday the council's community services and parks committee confirmed who would get the funding, and how much.

Chairperson Margaret Miles says: "It's wonderful that we can give these individuals and groups some help to continue the strong arts culture we have in North Shore City."

The original recommendations were made by the grants assessment sub committee, that councillor Julia Parfitt is chairperson of.

Leo King received $1000 to compile a history of well-known local painter Ross Ritchie, and Write 4 Kids $500 for a children's authors network.

Lake House was given $4,500 for a new kiln, and the United Sri Lankan Association $1600 to bring a traditional dance teacher to New Zealand to train others.

The Operating Theatre Trust, which brings children's productions to The Pumphouse, received $6000 for an outdoor production of The Wind in the Willows during the September school holidays.

Others to benefit from the Creative Communities Scheme include North Harbour Gymnastics Centre, Chinese New Settlers Services Trust, Class Act Opera and The Stage Challenge Foundation.

The next round of funding for the Creative Communities Scheme will open in June or July, and will be for projects that occur after September 23 this year.

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