Monday 28 August

Councils support state of the arts in the region

The Wellington Regional Amenities Fund (WRAF) has allocated over $1 million to seven organisations – boosting the region’s reputation as the arts and cultural centre of New Zealand.

WRAF was established in 2012 to demonstrate the region’s commitment to arts and cultural activity, ensuring a robust and thriving network of events and attractions for all to enjoy.

2017 recipients include the award winning Cuba Dupa, Kia Mau, and LUX Light festivals, which are popular fixtures on the regions’ events calendar, and contribute to the local economy says Upper Hutt City Council Mayor and WRAF Chair, Wayne Guppy.

“Some of the funding criteria that needs to be met includes a long-term financial contribution to the region – and these seven initiatives and projects will showcase the area, reach people across the region, and draw people to it,” he adds.

The WRAF Joint Committee is made up of Mayors from participating councils Wellington City, Hutt City, Upper Hutt City, Porirua City and Kāpiti Coast.

Wellington City Council Mayor and Arts portfolio lead Justin Lester says the partnership benefits the whole region.

“This fund is focused on arts, culture, and environmental organisations that contribute to the fabric of the region – building connectedness, embracing our multi-cultural society, and providing a stage for creative, innovative, and vibrant local and emerging talent,” says Mayor Lester.

The 2017 WRAF recipients are:

• The New Zealand Festival: $400,000 for the NZ Festival Opening Event

• Creative Capital Arts Trust: $200,000 for Cuba Dupa Festival

• Wellington LUX Festival Trust: $150,000 for LUX Light Festival

• Orchestra Wellington: $135,000 for 3 concerts and 2 education programmes (Wellington, Porirua, Hutt City & Upper Hutt)

• Tawata Productions: $100,000 for Kia Mau Festival, NZ's only contemporary indigenous theatre and dance festival

• Porirua City Council: $50,000 for Measina Festival of Contemporary Pacific dance and theatre

• Expressions Whirinaki Arts & Entertainment Centre: $40,000 for The Secrets of the Mona Lisa exhibition

ENDS

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