Arts funding enriches Auckland’s cultural landscape

Twenty-four regional arts organisations, communities and artists have been approved for Auckland Council funding to deliver an array of art-related activity across Tāmaki Makaurau in the upcoming months.

The council’s Community Committee has granted a total of $381,440 to 24 applicants in the first round of Auckland’s Regional Arts and Culture grants for 2024/2025.

Committee chair, Councillor Angela Dalton, says the three types of grants available through this fund provide exceptionally good value to Aucklanders for the money allocated by the council.

“This programme recognises the ongoing value that providers of art and culture across the region can bring to support wellbeing and connectedness in our communities,” says Councillor Dalton.

“More than 300,000 people were able to see projects delivered with help from these grants in 2022/23. Of that number, at least 50,000 people were able to physically take part in those events and activities.”

“On top of that, a huge number of people enjoy the well-established regional performances and programmes put on each year by larger providers, who are receiving multi-year funding through strategic relationship grants.”

The council’s regional grants budget provides contestable funding to support art and culture projects of varying sizes and scopes. The three categories are:

• Audience development and programming grants support a wide range of experiences that are often one-off events. Sixteen recipients will receive these grants, from $5,000 to $15,000.

• Business and capacity development project grants help providers to develop strategic plans; feasibility studies; and digital development activities. Four applications have been approved.

• Strategic relationship grants provide larger, more established providers with multi-year funding to deliver significant events recognised as the ‘cornerstones’ of a thriving arts and culture sector in Auckland. Five organisations will receive two or three-year funding support.

All applications are assessed by an independent panel, with recommendations based on how well they meet the programme’s criteria and funding priorities.

Grants delivered through the programme align with the Toi Whītiki - Arts and Culture Strategic Action Plan, and the council’s goal of integrating art and culture into our lives to create a culturally rich and creative region.

Auckland Council’s Regional Funding Advisor Catherine George says many of the recipients provide unique experiences to their audiences, such as the Tim Bray Theatre Company’s regional 'Mrs Wishy-Washy' tour, Te Tuhi’s Chinese art appreciation programme, and Panacea Arts’ Māpura Studios programme for disabled people.

“One criteria we consider is the ability to reach Aucklanders who may not otherwise get to enjoy art and cultural experiences. Our view is that it’s important to support these activities, so we continue to grow culturally and inclusively,” says Ms George.

Māpura Studios spokesperson John Ferriss says the council’s generous $15,000 grant will help to resource classes and make a positive difference in many people's lives.

“It will go a long way to help us provide art and art therapy classes to disabled and marginalised people in our central Morningside Studio as well as our satellite classes throughout Greater Auckland and our free community classes in South Auckland. We are very appreciative to receive this support,” says Mr Ferriss. 

A total fund of $1,331,869 is available to support Regional Arts and Culture through the programme this financial year over two allocations. Applications for the next round will open from 1 October to 26 January, with allocations to be made in April 2025.

Grants approved on 24 September 2024:

To learn more about the range of regional and local grants we provide and how you can apply for them, visit the Auckland Council website.