Arts initiatives receive $23,000 funding boost

Dance 4 Us classes in Rotorua. Photo/Lakes Charitable Trust

A total of $23,100 has been awarded to 13 local arts projects across the Rotorua district after the latest Rotorua Creative Communities Scheme funding round.

Creative Communities Rotorua Assessment Committee administrator Julie Parsons says the successful projects included theatre, visual arts, cultural and art festivals, glass art, opera, dance and musical performance.

'It's fascinating to see the creative projects brewing in our community," Julie says.

"While it is lovely to be able to support the traditional styles of performance and visual art it is always exciting to support a brand new experience for our community.

'We received a smaller than usual number of applications, probably as a result of the Covid-19 environment.

"We really want to help our creatives in these difficult times so urge them to put their creative caps on and develop their ideas in time for our next funding round.”

Seniors art classes also received funding. Photo/Nicola Wright

In the most recent funding round, 16 applications, requesting more than $72,000 were received.

Due to the smaller number of applications, a greater percentage of the annual fund has been allocated to the second round of funding which will close in March 2021.

The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) offers two opportunities every year for creatives to fund their work and is particularly valuable to organisations and individuals that do not have charitable status.

This scheme is open to all New Zealand individuals and groups, provided their project is creative art, well thought through and delivered in the Rotorua district.

'We've seen exciting projects develop over the last few rounds that have enabled some of those in our community who traditionally miss out to experience the creation of art,” Julie says.

'Dance for those with disabilities and visual art for seniors have both produced rewarding results.”

This round sees Rotorua's first vogue ball happen on November 7 at The Blue Baths.

The brainchild of Raukawa Tuhura, a dancer of international repute who wanted to create an event where the LGBTQI community could safely express their artistic talents.

The next funding round for Rotorua Creative Communities will open on February 1 next year and closes on March 6.

Applications must be for art projects not yet started that will be delivered in the Rotorua district within 12 months of funding.

Visit www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/creativecommunities for information and application forms or contact Julie Parsons at julie.parsons@rotorualc.nz.

Projects funded in the November 2020 grant round:

- BOP Rotorua Indian Association Diwali 2020: $1700

- Glenholme Leavers Fused Glass Workshop: $1000

- Lakes Charitable Trust Aladdin Jnr Musical: $3000

- Opera in the Pa: $1800

- Paradise Fusion Cancer Society Community Art Piece: $1500

- Raukawa Tuhura The Ball of Trix: $2000

- Rotorua Arts Village Art in the Park: $2500

- Rotorua Arts Village Summer Arts Programme: $2500

- Rotorua Arts Village Summer Festival: $2500

- Rotorua Ministers Association Christmas Day Community Lunch: $500

- Rotorua Multicultural Council Latin American Fiesta $1700

- Rotorua Music School Celebration Concert: $900

- Rotorua Musical Theatre The New Zealand Rock Musical: $1500

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