West Auckland performing arts venues have been awarded funding for their annual festivals through Auckland Council’s Regional Event Grants Programme.
Te Pou Theatre will receive $12,000 for its Kōanga Festival 2023 and Te Whānau o Waipareira $15,000 for the Matariki Ki Waipareira from Auckland Council’s Regional Event Grants Programme funding.
Six applicants including Kōanga Festival 2023 and Te Whānau o Waipareira were allocated a total of $176,500 by Auckland Council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee.
Waitākere Ward Councillors Shane Henderson and Ken Turner are pleased that the support will go towards organisations in continuing to serve their communities.
“Supporting our venues has a direct effect on supporting the arts and the artistic community. Now, more than ever, arts can be a source of inspiration and hope. I’m very pleased for the Te Pou Theatre and Te Whānau o Waipareira,” says Waitākere Ward Councillor Shane Henderson.
Funding for events is based on their role in increasing social cohesion, improving a sense of identity and belonging for people. These aspects overall contribute to wellbeing.
“West Auckland is the home of the arts and funding towards arts organisations benefits our area in giving it its distinct artistic identity. “We know people love to attend these festivals and I’m looking forward to attending as many as I can in the coming months,” says Waitākere Ward Councillor Ken Turner.
Te Pou Theatre’s Kōanga Festival celebrates all things drama from contemporary Māori storytelling, performances, experimental works, workshops to expert panels.
Matariki Ki Waipareira presented by Te Whānau o Waipareira is a street party for the whole whanau and an opportunity for everyone to feel included in Matariki celebration in West Auckland.
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