$1 million Pumped into the Auckland Arts Scene

Press Release

More than $1 million has been pumped into the Auckland arts scene in a raft of grants just announced by community funder ASB Community Trust.

Among those to gain funds are a cluster of cutting-edge media arts groups who have made their homes on Karangahape Road – including the Moving Image Centre (MIC), which has been granted $146,950 for operating costs , equipment and a facilities upgrade.

“MIC promotes a dynamic and growing culture of media-arts practice in Auckland and New Zealand,” says ASB Community Trust CEO Jennifer Gill. “It creates an environment of innovation, in which the fusion of art and technology is developed and nurtured."

The funds will help MIC upgrade its Galatos venue so it can provide a better exhibition space for innovative and challenging film, video, installation and new technology art. MIC also hosts visiting international digital media artists and filmmakers, as well as supplying information and workshops to filmmakers and digital media artists.

“This initiative builds capacity, mentors professional skills, encourages filmmakers and digital media artists from diverse communities and brings their work to wider audiences. It also provides a unique, future-focused community asset enhancing the range of creative sector facilities in Auckland City,” she says.

Just across the road, the New Zealand Film Archive has been granted $56,577 toward equipment and to upgrade its Auckland office. The centre is heavily orientated towards public access, with a reference library of books, periodicals and over 1600 videos and DVD's. The site also includes an exhibition space where film related exhibitions are held - all free.

The grant includes a mobile screening kit, allowing contemporary and historic films to be shown in community centres throughout the region.

MIC and the film archive join three other K’Road arts organisations in gaining Trust grants in 2006. In September, Auckland Writers & Readers Festival Charitable Trust was granted $150,000 over three years for operating costs, ARTSPACE was granted $50,000 for operating costs in June and nearby Objectspace gained $25,000 for running costs in April.

Also included in the latest round of Trust grants is dance company Black Grace, which gained $132,000 for operating costs and community outreach projects. Black Grace produces contemporary Pacific dance that crosses cultural, generational and socio-economic barriers, with a specific focus on youth, Pacific and Maori communities.

The grant helps fund its inner city dance project, taking the company into urban spaces around the inner city, such as the Britomart complex. As well, students will be invited behind the scenes to watch rehearsals, while open events will allow the public to join the company for classes.

ASB Community Trust continues to support the work of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, granting it $500,000.

“The orchestra runs an extensive education programme that caters to students of all ages through school concerts, partnership programmes and in association with other community organisations,” says Ms Gill. “Over 200,000 school students benefit annually from the orchestra’s education programme.”

Another inspirational group, The Royal New Zealand Ballet, has been granted $182,600, allowing it to hire the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra for the 2007 season of Swan Lake and Cinderella.

“Local audiences in Auckland will benefit from having live music for the shows,” says Ms Gill. “Live music adds to the quality and experience of the production - the dancers come alive to orchestral accompaniment – and the standard of playing from the orchestra is exceptional.”

Down at the Aotea Centre, The Edge performing centre has been granted $75,000 toward an arts residency programme for children in the wider Auckland region.

“This is an exciting and innovative project that aims to create arts-rich experiences for children and young people,” says Ms Gill. “The artists will act as a catalyst, inspiring the children to create.”

Howick Little Theatre was granted $20,442 toward an upgrade of its facilities in Lloyd Elsmore Park.

“The previous ASB Community Trust grant in 2001/02 ($32,750) made such a huge difference to our operation and what we could offer the community,” says theatre management committee member Alison Mudford. “This one will complete the transformation.”

Other arts groups to gain Trust funding include: The Auckland Theatre Company, $70,000 toward building refurbishments and running costs; He Waka Eke Noa Charitable Trust, $45,000 for its work providing arts access through theatre and film; Manukau City Orchestral Society, $38,000 for running costs; Auckland Arts Fair Trust, $25,925 to help develop an educational programme.

ASB Community Trust decides on grants for projects in education, the arts, sport, recreation, environment, heritage, health and social services areas each month.

Founded on the sale of its shares in the ASB bank, the Trust has granted more than $500m since being formed in 1988. Any incorporated or charitable trust can apply for funds, provided they are a not-for-profit organisation.

For more details about applying, visit the Trust’s website: www.ASBCommunityTrust.org.nz

ENDS

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