New Zealand’s first ever steel band festival brought the energy, fun and beats of the Caribbean to Silo Park in February.
Hosted by the Carribeanz Southern Stars Steelband, the Aotearoa Steelband Festival offered Aucklanders this unique experience thanks to the support of a Creative Communities Scheme funding grant.
The Creative Communities Scheme also supported The Deaf Wellbeing Society to run a series of New Zealand Sign Language workshops for the profoundly deaf, such as drawing and carving a Māori motif, as well as harakeke weaving, kapa haka and poi.
The workshops were led by experienced artists who themselves are from the deaf community – this was the first time that the Auckland deaf community has organised workshops for its own members.
Whether you’re an artist, performer, cultural or community group, make your project a hit by applying for a Creative Communities Scheme grant. Auckland Council and Creative New Zealand invite applications for grants towards an arts-focused project that will happen between 12 October 2018 and 12 October 2019.
It can happen anywhere across the Auckland region – on beaches, in parks, community halls, theatres, streets and galleries.
Funded by Creative New Zealand and administered by Auckland Council, the Scheme encourages communities to make arts and culture a part of everyday life for Aucklanders through art, music, dance, film-making, toi Māori, Pacific arts, weaving, writing, poetry and theatre.
Apply now
Applications are now open for the current round of Creative Communities Scheme grants, closing on 31 August 2018.
So, apply now to receive funding support to make your creative project a reality.
Make your application stand out
Put your best foot forward and learn how to create a winning application by going to a Creative Communities Scheme funding clinic. The funding clinics take place around Auckland, offering helpful tips and information for anyone planning to make an application to the current round, closing 31 August 2018.
Choose a clinic location and date that suits you, and drop in at any time (appointments not required):
Wednesday 16 May 9am-4.30pm, Manukau Service Centre
Tuesday 22 May 12.30pm–6.30pm, Te Oro, Glen Innes
Wednesday 30 May, 9.30am-4.30pm, Orewa Service Centre
Thursday 31 May, 12.30pm-6.30pm, Mt Roskill Library, Three Kings
Thursday 7 June 12.30pm-6.30pm, Ranui Library
Thursday 21 June, 9am-4.30pm, Takapuna Service Centre
Tuesday 26 June, 12pm-6pm, Pacifica Arts Centre, Henderson
Monday 2 July, 2.30pm-6.30pm, Hawkins Theatre, Papakura
Bledisloe House, CBD, by appointment, contact creative.communities@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to arrange a group or individual appointment with an Auckland Council funding advisor.
