Tuesday 21 August, 2007

Five Manukau entrepreneurs get set to realise the potential of their creative ideas

A group of talented creative entrepreneurs, all from Manukau, are about to turn their creative business ideas and projects into a reality.

ART source, a new development programme aimed at Manukau City’s creative people has announced its selection of five participants for the inaugural programme in 2007.

The five talented artists and creative individuals who have successfully made it through the selection process are: - Claire Cowan (Howick) – music composer - Leilani Kake (Otara) – multi-media artist, video and film-maker - Terry Koloamatangi Klavenes (Manurewa) – visual artist, graphic designer - Vela Manusaute (Manurewa) – actor, comedian, writer, theatre and music producer - Carol Stainton (Wiri) – fashion designer

Between now and March next year, ART source will provide them with an individualised programme of development, including mentoring, networking and support, business skills and strategy development.

Vela Manusaute (writer, actor and producer of Once were Samoans and Kila Kokonut Krew’s KTV series) is looking forward to setting up a dedicated screen production house that will take Manukau to the world through film and TV productions. “Here we’re full of rich stories,” he says.

Even though Vela’s already producing sell-out theatre shows and successful music releases, he sees a lot of value in being selected for the inaugural ART source.

“It’s fantastic to be enterprising with art, it’s great. I’m able to start making a living out of something I love doing. Being part of the ART source programme is fantastic; to use all the resources Manukau has to offer. It’s another step up to getting to what I want to do.

“We need to get money from our art so we can live. It’s still a long journey away but the striving to succeed is huge,” says Vela.

Developed by the Arts Regional Trust: Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi (ART) in partnership with Manukau City Council, ART source is a unique programme focusing on the emerging growth of the arts and creative industries in Manukau city.

“The five individuals selected for 2007 are already inspiring in what they’ve achieved so far. They represent a range of backgrounds and creative areas – ranging from classical composition to multi-media art to comedy,” says Candy Elsmore, ART project director.

“In the selection process, they have demonstrated a passion for their work as an artist and a need to back up their talent with practical business skills and planning support,” she adds.

ART source will be offered again in mid 2008 to a new round of participants. For more information, please see the ART website www.artsregionaltrust.org.nz

ENDS

Background to the Arts Regional Trust (ART): ART is an arts and creative industries development agency, creating and investing in programmes that develop capability and capacity in Auckland’s creative sector. ART has three development programmes, they are: ART source, ART venture and ART enterprise.

The City Councils of Auckland and Manukau created the Arts Regional Trust Te Taumata Toi-a–iwi (ART) in 2000 to manage and grow their combined share of funds provided through the disestablishment of Auckland Regional Services Trust.

To date, ART has invested in a number of significant projects in partnership with other organisations such as the city councils of the Auckland region, universities and government agencies. The capital fund has grown to $8.4 million under ART’s stewardship.

For further information, please see www.artsregionaltrust.org.nz

Profiles of the 5 participants are attached: - Claire Cowan (Howick) – music composer - Leilani Kake (Otara) – multi-media artist, video and film-maker - Terry Klavenes (Manurewa) – visual artist, graphic designer - Vela Manusaute (Manurewa) – actor, comedian, theatre and music producer - Carol Stainton (Wiri) – fashion designer

ENDS

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