MEDIA RELEASE
Release date: Tuesday 9 August 2011
Age-old technique of Aute benefits from Creative Communities Funding
The age-old technique of Aute has been brought back to life thanks to a Creative Communities grant. Aute is the cloth
made from Mulberry bark and created through beating the bark and scraping the resulting material with shells to thin it
out and make pliable. After researching this technique Cherie Te Rore was keen to provide an opportunity for these
skills to be experienced by our community. She applied for the grant last year and an Aute workshop has now been held.
The cloth created at the workshop was used to create a series of hats or pōtae that Māori would have historically used
for ceremonial purposes. “Aute is a time-consuming but satisfying technique that produces a unique cloth,” says Ms Te
Rore. “This is a pilot project which we hope to explore further. Watch this space.”
Applications are invited from all arts based individuals and groups for funding from the Creative Communities scheme. A
Creative New Zealand initiative administered by Gisborne District Council, the scheme encourages art focused projects
that have broad community involvement.
Applications are considered by local people with knowledge and experience of the arts in the Gisborne region. The
assessment group looks for opportunities to support the diverse arts and cultural traditions of our region and projects
that encourage young people to get involved in a creative activity.
The funding round is open now and Council must receive the applications by 5 pm on Friday 30th September. “It is a
significant contributor to local arts with about $12,500 available twice a year. Council’s website has information about
the types of activities or projects that might be funded and also what can’t be funded,” says community development
officer Barbara Dockley. “If someone has a good idea but wants to run it pass someone; I am here to help. I can also
assist people to complete the application form if they contact me before the closing date.”
Application forms and further details are available from Council’s website or Customer Services in Fitzherbert Street
and Council’s Te Puia Springs office.
ENDS