Media release

Regionally significant arts projects benefit from funding decisions by North Shore City Council
April 23, 2008

North Shore City Council’s Grants Assessment Subcommittee is pleased to announce it has allocated a total of $400,000 to seven arts projects of regional significance from our city’s share of the Auckland Regional Services Trust Arts (ARST) fund.

Of the 20 expressions of interest received from across the region’s arts sector, seven were found to fit the eligibility criteria requiring projects to be of regional significance and/or to contribute to the ongoing development of the region’s arts infrastructure. The seven successful applicants cover a range of different disciplines; including theatre, writing, photography and contemporary dance.

The North Shore City Council has only made two ARST allocations previously, the last being in 2001. In the intervening years an interest dividend from the original grant has accrued, making the amount available substantial. This has enabled the city to make these generous contributions to the regional arts infrastructure.

The chairperson of the subcommittee, Margaret Miles, says the council is excited to be able to support key arts organisations and projects in this way as they add cultural richness and vibrancy to the whole region.

“Many important arts groups and ventures struggle financially, so this ARST fund allocation will play an important role in developing and cementing a rich and varied arts programme that all Aucklanders can enjoy.

“These grants help established groups to continue with their projects, assists emerging artists to build a firmer financial foundation and increases the public profile of the arts across the region.”

North Shore City Mayor Andrew Williams also supports the regional allocations adopted this time around. “We look forward to a stronger arts sector, not only in our city, but across the wider region as a result of these grants.”

The funding has been allocated as follows:

$123,000 to the Auckland Festival Trust to support a North Shore Hub for the 2009 Festival at the Bruce Mason Centre and elsewhere in the city.

$40,000 to DANZ (Dance Aotearoa New Zealand) to enable it to develop a touring circuit around the region.

$70,000 to the NZ Body Art Awards Trust to develop and support the art form in New Zealand and help build a significant signature event for our region.

$70,000 to PumpHouse Professional Theatre Partnership to pilot and develop a season of professional theatre locally.

$45,000 to the Michael King Writers Centre to establish a summer school for writers in 2008/9.

$30,000 to Intermediate Schools Battle of the Bands to grow the current programme and attract entries from across the Auckland region.

$20,000 to Auckland Festival of Photography to create electronic-web based infrastructure to develop and support Auckland Photo Day region-wide.

ENDS

For more information you are invited to visit www.northshorecity.govt.nz or to call Actionline on 486 8600

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