NEWS RELEASE
16 December 2010
Capital arts groups make funding programme
Mayor Celia Wade-Brown has congratulated Wellington arts organisations which have earned a place in Creative New
Zealand’s new Arts Leadership Investment programme.
Ten of 22 bodies so far confirmed in the programme are Wellington-based. Six other Wellington organisations have been
asked to provide more information.
Mayor Wade-Brown said: “The Council congratulates all the Wellington-based organisations accepted into the Arts
Leadership Investment programme.
“The criteria for the programme were extensive and required the organisation to be operating to the highest standards.
It is an excellent outcome for Wellington, the arts capital, that 10 of the 22 organisations confirmed in the programme
are based here.
“These are in addition to Te Papa, the NZSO, Te Matatini, the Royal New Zealand Ballet and other cultural bodies based
in Wellington, which are funded through the Ministry for Culture & Heritage.”
Wellington City Council is offering help to the six organisations which were asked for more information.
Cr Ray Ahipene-Mercer, Arts and Culture Portfolio Leader, said: “We are confident a number of them will be confirmed in
the programme when the final decisions are made in August.”
Council officers will work with any Wellington-based organisations which do not qualify. Cr Ahipene-Mercer said: “Any
groups which are not accepted will be able to apply to another new CNZ programme, the Arts Development Investment
programme.”
The Arts Leadership Investment (Toi Tōtara Haemata) programme offers support for between two and five years to
organisations CNZ regards as well-run, financially sound and able to play leadership roles in the production of
high-quality New Zealand arts experiences.
The Arts Development Investment (Toi Uru Kahikatea) programme provides funding from six months to two years for
organisations, groups and individuals that create high-quality work, and/or foster skills, resources and networks.
The successful Wellington groups are: BATS Theatre; Chamber Music New Zealand; DANZ – Dance Aotearoa New Zealand;
Capital E – National Theatre for Children and Wellington Children’s Festival; New Zealand Book Council; New Zealand
International Arts Festival; New Zealand String Quartet; Playmarket; Taki Rua Productions; and Toi Māori Aotearoa. Also
accepted was NBR New Zealand Opera, which is Auckland-based but has a Wellington office.
Arts Access Aotearoa; Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand; Circa Theatre; Downstage Theatre; Footnote Dance; and Vector
Wellington Orchestra were asked to provide further information.
ENDS