Auckland’s Creative Communities Scheme is calling for applications for the 2019 / 2020 season. Their current funding round closes at 10pm on 30 August 2019.
In last year’s partnership between Auckland Council and Creative New Zealand, 304 community arts projects enabled 46,758 people from across the region to take part in creative projects.
One example was a cast of 80 children who delighted an audience of 300 at Waiuku College’s Whare Matoro, performing on stage for friends and whānau as part of Matariki Festival 2019.
This was the culmination of eight months of workshops to learn the history, tikanga and art of kapa haka - poi, patu, taiaha, tī rākau, titi tōrea, haka, waiata ā ringa - and mahi toi, including tukutuku weaving.
This creative project was delivered with a Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) grant of $3000. The initiative came from Te Taki Tu Charitable Trust, who invited students from seven schools across the Waiuku area to participate.
Co-organisers and teachers Whaea Piki Jakeman and Rhema Jakeman explain that when kapa haka is promoted in schools, they see children realise the value of being Māori.
The Jakemans say learning kapa haka also helps children understand commitment and self-discipline. Rhema says: “Instilling a love of kapa haka and Māori culture in the children was our goal. Watching the kids light up and shine on stage was the best part of the project.”
See examples of the many CCS Auckland funded projects here.
Apply for funding
If you have an idea for a creative-arts-focused project, Auckland Council and Creative New Zealand encourage you to apply before applications close on 30 August. Younger people (under 18) can also apply, with a signature from their guardian.
Whether you’re an artist, performer, cultural or community group, you can give your project new energy and visibility by applying for a Creative Communities Scheme grant. The creative teaching and learning 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 Creative Communities Scheme encourages communities to make arts and culture an enriching part of everyday life for Aucklanders through art, music, dance, film-making, toi Māori, Pacific arts, weaving, writing, poetry and theatre.
There are several funding rounds each year.
Apply for the current round of funding here.
More information
Learn how to create a winning application by making an appointment with the community funding advisor at Auckland Council.
Contact creative.communities@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to arrange a group or individual appointment.
More about the Creative Communities Scheme
