Every year Wellington City Council funds a wide range of arts and cultural events and activities – and many of them can
be enjoyed now by everyone over the summer months.
One recipient, the Performance Arcade’s exciting new summertime arts programme WHAT IF THE CITY WAS A THEATRE? launches this evening with a performance curated by Movement of the Human (MOTH) at
Whairepo Lagoon.
The free festival will feature more than 300 individual performances over 60 locations throughout the city – from
cabaret at crosswalks, circus on cranes, and dance everywhere from on Flamingo Scooters to in the Cable Car.
In 2020, Council funded hundreds of projects, organisations and events to benefit the whole community – particularly
those impacted by COVID-19, says Mayor Andy Foster.
“We proudly support projects that contribute in a positive way to the city and its people across a wide range of
interests, cultural activities, and entertainment events. An equally important consideration is the critical support we
can give to the livelihoods of our artists and people working in the hospitality and services sector.
“From an arts and events perspective, it’s always a good investment retaining and supporting the creative community as
it benefits our quality of life in so many ways, boosts the economy as a popular destination, activates our city, and
sustains the burgeoning creative industry in the capital.
“It also ties in with our Love Local campaign, supporting Wellington’s business, creative, and hospitality industries
which are still feeling the effects of COVID-19.”
Some other events and activities supported through Council funding on the summer calendar include:Islandbayfestival.org.nzChinese New Year and the Zodiac Arts Trail – An installation of specially commissioned artworks by local and international artistsUrban Dream Brokerage support events and activities by sourcing spaces for creative communities and projects in vacant and underutilised
retail and public spacesFool Steam Ahead – A circus designed for 5-8 year oldsVincents Art Workshop producing the zodiac decorations for the 2021 Newtown festivalNewtown FestivalFringe 2021Cupa Dupa
WHAT IF THE CITY WAS A THEATRE? and Urban Dream Brokerage are supported through Council’s Tipu Toa: Build Back Better / City Recovery Fund which
supports initiatives that contribute to our economic recovery.
Support of these events and festivals also has wide-reaching benefits for the city’s culture and diversity says Arts,
Culture and Events Portfolio Lead, Councillor Nicola Young.
“Council funding of arts and events has been a long-term strategy to ensure every community has the opportunity to make
access easier to cultural activities and events, and this busy summer season calendar is just one example.
“Also, many Wellingtonians were not born here, a lot have moved here by choice to live, work and play thanks to the
robust, diverse, and accessible arts and culture scene – further boosting the city’s prosperity, growth and
attractiveness to visitors.”
There are many opportunities if you have a good idea for an event, project or activity. The next round of the Creative
Communities Scheme closes on 26 February. This round is for projects that start after 1 April. Various types of projects
will be considered, including workshops, performances, exhibitions, etc – the focus for this fund is on participation,
diversity and youth.
Applications to Council’s Arts and Culture Fund close on 19 March, for projects starting after 19 May.
Check the criteria on our website and you can contact Council staff to discuss your project or the application process.
Check out the Council’s website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram social media channels for more information and updates on all events and activities in the capital.