Announcement of new Smash Palace Initiative

Tuesday, 16 December 2008

Creative New Zealand and the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology are pleased to announce that there will be a new round of the Smash Palace initiative occurring between 2009 and 2011.

A call for expressions of interest and more detailed information on the fund will be available by 9 February 2009 on the Creative New Zealand website.

The fund will support projects that engage New Zealanders about the role of research, science and technology in supporting innovation and support the development of high-quality, innovative and culturally diverse art works.

The term Smash Palace refers to the panelbeater’s shop in the New Zealand film of the same name. The name was chosen as it helped convey a place where what may appear to be differing world views can work together to explore and develop new ways of working, new ways of thinking and new ways of using existing knowledge.

Smash Palace is part of encouraging New Zealanders to recognise and celebrate creativity and innovation as fundamental drivers of the future well being of the nation. The initiative is focussed on finding effective ways to harness the science and arts sectors shared commitment to innovation, risk taking and experimentation.