Our work | Regional development and communities
Stories from the Creative Communities Scheme
The Creative Communities Scheme is a partnership between Creative New Zealand and local authorities, working with communities throughout New Zealand.
Every year, the Creative Communities Scheme distributes grants to approximately 2800 local arts projects.
CD captures history of Wanganui music
A history of Wanganui music from the 1950s to the present day on CD with accompanying booklet is one of seven initiatives that benefited from Creative Communities Scheme grants totalling $17,000, made available through the Wanganui District Council.
Approximately $30,000 is allocated locally over two funding rounds a year. The seven grant recipients are:
• the Institute of Registered Music Teachers for its High Achievers' Concert
• the Wanganui Jazz Club for the Jazz Boat Festival
• Whanganui Excellence in Glass Art inc for the Wanganui Glass Festival 2007
• Ana Toi Maori Charitable Trust for a Māori design hui
• Gavland Ltd for the History of Wanganui Music CD
• Wanganui Festival of Organ Music for its 2007-2008 festivals
• Whanganui Arts Culture and Heritage Development Trust for the Wanganui Literary Festival.
Sally Patrick, Community and Cultural Manager, says there is a popular misconception that only groups or organisations can apply for funding. In fact, all New Zealanders are eligible to apply to the Creative Communities Scheme, either as individuals or groups.
From folk music to body art
The Devonport Folk Music Club can now provide workshops for young people to explore the different musical genres within folk music, thanks to a $3000 Creative Communities Scheme grant.
In May 2007, the North Shore City Council allocated more than $51,000 in Creative Communities Scheme grants to 17 other organisations. These include the Michael King Writer's Centre, the Operating Theatre Company, Te Kura Kaupapa o Te Raki Pae Whenua, New Zealand Body Art Awards, Primal Youth Trust, Depot Artspace, Westshore Community Arts Council and the Lake House Trust.
Deputy chairman of North Shore City Council's community services and parks committee, Peter White, says the grants support arts in the community.
"These organisations have built reputations in our community, often with a great volunteer support base and we're delighted to support their activities," he says.
Photos capture life in Kohukohu, North Hokianga
When North Hokianga Community Arts Council members Marg Morrow and Louise Evans called for entries to a photo competition called Slice of Life, queues of people lined up outside the local art gallery to receive their throw-away disposable cameras.
Supported with grants from the Creative Communities Scheme and the Far North District Council's Arts and Culture Fund, the competition gave entrants eleven days to capture what daily life in the Hokianga was all about.
The end result was the return of 48 of the 50 cameras given out and more than 1200 photos. Five photos were selected from each film and featured in an exhibition in the local art gallery, Village Arts.
The great thing about the competition was that most of the entrants weren't photographers or even art enthusiasts, says Creative Communities Scheme administrator Justine Croft.
"This was about a community reflecting their identity. All of the locals came out of the woodwork and went to the exhibition to see what their mates had done. Everyone was blown away. They saw photography as art and how art can be about them and where they live."
The competition was judged by local architect Tony Watkins and two visiting Japanese architects. The winners were announced at the exhibition opening.
Prizes were sponsored by local businesses.
