10 July 2012
Creative New Zealand Earthquake Grants Announced
Creative New Zealand has provided more than $290,000 in Earthquake Emergency Assistance Grants since December to support
the arts in Christchurch.
Urban artists Gap Filler received $100,000 towards creative projects they are developing in vacant spaces around
Christchurch. The grant, over two years, will allow the group to expand their innovative schemes for the city’s
regeneration.
Gap Filler began in response to the 2010 earthquake and works with community groups, artists, architects and others to
temporarily activate vacant spaces in Christchurch. Among their initiatives is Dance-O-Mat, a dance floor with coin
operated lighting and sound courtesy of a converted washing machine. Dance-O-Mat was created in response to the loss of
many of the dance studios and performance spaces around the city.
“We really hope to demonstrate that temporary creative projects can enliven and regenerate the city and that by giving
people the opportunity to contribute, you are connecting people with that recovery,” says Gap Filler’s director and
co-founder, Coralie Winn.
Other grants from December 2011 to June 2012 include $30,000 for the Christchurch Primary Schools Cultural Festival to
help run their annual event for Canterbury’s primary and intermediate pupils. The Contemporary Circus Trust gained
$9,129 towards the rental and fit-out of a new venue, which will provide a central hub for circus practitioners
throughout the city. The Trust provides circus programmes and workshops for Christchurch youth, especially those in
low-decile areas. Strike Percussion received $54,520 towards loss of income as a direct result of the earthquakes.
“This has been a hugely challenging and stressful time for artists and arts organisations. It’s heartening to see the
how artists continue to find new and innovative ways to work in response to these challenges – and to engage and enliven
the local community,’’ says Gail Richards, Creative New Zealand’s Manager, Arts Funding.
Creative New Zealand has given more than $1.9m in grants to artists, arts practitioners and arts organisations directly
affected by the Canterbury earthquakes since 2010.The Earthquake Emergency Response Fund was established in addition to
Creative New Zealand’s existing funding programmes. Creative New Zealand is currently reviewing the Earthquake Emergency
Response Fund’s criteria to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to developing needs.
For information about eligibility and how to apply go to www.creativenz.govt.nz/earthquakegrants
ENDS