Creative Communities Scheme empowers the arts in The Coromandel.

 

The Thames-Coromandel Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) has new funding rounds of March and September, with applications opening for the September round on 31 August 2018. 

 

Individuals or groups are invited to apply for funding for projects taking place in the Thames Coromandel District within 12 months of the funding being approved.

 

For previously successful CCS applicants, the scheme has been used to create opportunities for local communities to engage with, and participate in local arts activities.  The scheme has empowered people to run workshops, performances, exhibitions and festivals around the region.

 

CCS grants can fund materials for arts activities or programmes, venue or equipment hire, personnel and administrative costs for short-term projects and promotion and publicity of arts activities.

 

Mercury Bay Art Escape Art and Craft Fair was a successful recipient of the last CCS funding round.  The grant enabled the Mercury Bay Art Escape to promote their winter Art And Craft Fair and showcase the diversity of Coromandel Peninsula talent from Whitianga Town Hall last month.

 

The fair was established as an opportunity for Mercury Bay Art Escape to offer a community activity in the middle of the winter school holidays, attracting locals and visitors alike.  The event brings emerging artists into the Mercury Bay Art Escape network and includes artists from all over the Coromandel.

 

“We had some 750 people through the door on a grey squally day – that says a lot about the power of publicity and the interest people have in the arts being a key part of  the community,” said Art Escape Representative, Alison Henry, on the benefits of receiving CCS funding.

 

“Creative Communities plays a really important role in networking across the whole district and helping events such as ours to reach a wide audience.”

 

The Creative Communities Scheme, backed by Creative New Zealand, offers two funding rounds per year.  He Mana Toi Moehau Trust (Creative Coromandel) have been tasked by Thames-Coromandel District Council to administer, award and distribute the Creative Communities Scheme funding rounds. The Trust is made up of people from the area, who are appointed for their knowledge and experience of the arts and local communities.

 

The upcoming funding round opens at the end of this month and closes on 28 September 2018. The Committee will assess applications on 24 October 2018.

 

The Board advises future applicants to take note of the following tips to ensure their best chance of a successful application:

 

  • Consider the eligibility criteria as set out in the Applicants Guide. http://www.creativenz.govt.nz/find-funding/funds/creative-communities-scheme
  • Cross-check any budget figures that are provided
  • Advise if the project will still go ahead if a portion of the funding request is granted
  • Remember the timing of the projects e.g. projects that start before the date of the funding round cannot be considered
  • Provide the name of the tutor and a briefing on each one
  • Provide dates for events

 

 

For guidance and information regarding your application you are encouraged to contact an Advisory Board member from your community.  

 

Learn more about CCS criteria and applications here.

 

 

Article Published 3 August 2018

 

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