Northland's creativity recognised

PRESS RELEASE

Northland’s position as a centre of artistic creativity has been recognised in two grants, worth a total of almost $200,000, from ASB Community Trust.

The Whangarei-based Arts Promotion Trust Northland (APT) has been granted $100,000 over two years to support it’s efforts to set up an arts centre in Whangarei’s old library building.

“There is huge potential for community activity and education with the establishment of a community arts centre,” says ASB Community Trust CEO Jennifer Gill. “APT has already received interest from groups in holding weaving workshops, dance classes, painting classes and writing courses. Artists in residence could also be creating works in the centre.”

The project has received strong support from Whangarei District Council to establish a community arts centre, while APT continues to attract funding for arts development to Northland by securing contracts with government agencies. The Trust has received project funding from Work & Income, Creative New Zealand, Ministry of Education, the Fire Service, Ministry of Health and NZ Trade and Enterprise.

Creative Enterprise Empowerment Northland (CEEN) has also been successful in gaining ASB Community Trust funding, with a grant of $90,000 to be paid over three years.

CEEN supports the north’s emerging artists, setting up workshops, seminars and training opportunities.

“Northland produces a large number of contemporary artists and craftspeople,” says Ms Gill, “but there are many who are struggling to achieve recognition and independence through their work.

“Often their talent is pushed to the background while they are forced to take up ‘regular’ work in order to live. The Trust agrees with CEEN that this loss of creative potential is a wasted economic resource for the community.”

The grant will be used to supply artists with materials and equipment and in exchange the artist will donate an item of their work to be sold. Money from the sale will replace the donated materials and equipment, ensuring the project is sustainable.

Other Northland grant decisions made by the Trust this month include: $35,000 to Moerewa’s Midway in Northland Day Services Trust for its work with the disabled; $25,415 to Kaitaia People’s Centre (formerly Kaitaia CAB); $9,822 to Kaitaia A&P Association; Kaikohe’s Otaua Marae gained $69,000 toward a new ablution block; Rawene’s Hokianga Health Enterprise Trust $60,000 toward the cost of replacing the health care provider’s specially-equipped van; $15,163 toward a sprinkler system in Kerikeri’s historic St James Anglican Church; $8,402 to improve aviaries and security at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre; $50,000 toward operating costs at Whangarei’s North Haven Hospice and $17,655 to Maungaturoto’s Homebuilders Community Services, which works with at-risk families in the Kaipara area.

ASB Community Trust decides on grants for projects in education, the arts, sport, recreation, environment, heritage, health and social services areas of Auckland and Northland each month.

Founded on the sale of its shares in the ASB bank, the Trust has granted more than $500m since being formed in 1988. Any incorporated or charitable trust can apply for funds, provided they are a not-for-profit organisation.

For more details about applying, visit the Trust’s website: www.ASBCommunityTrust.org.nz

ENDS

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