07-07-2025
Funding Boost For Local Arts
Tairāwhiti lovers of the arts have more to choose from thanks to the bi-annual Creative Communities Scheme funding initiative.
Twice a year Gisborne District Council calls for applications for a grant from the $45,000 pot available to help with grass roots arts projects. Twenty-four projects received support in the August and February rounds with grants ranging between $700 and $3000. In total 34 applications requested $119,000, far more than the available pūtea.
The successful grants covered the full range of arts including theatre (six), customary Māori arts (three), dance (two), visual arts (two), music (eight) and multidisciplinary arts (three).
Council's cultural activities manager Pene Walsh says while the amounts given through the initiative are not huge, even modest funding can spark meaningful impact. 'Whether you're a performer, a creator, a maker, a participant or an audience member – you may benefit from this fund,' she said.
Funding for the next round closes on the last Friday of August. The scheme supports and encourages local arts activities and is a partnership between Council and Creative NZ. Every year CNZ provides money to councils to assist small arts projects covering broad community involvement, diversity and youth with a focus on the arts.
The successful projects from the last two rounds are –
Waharoa Opening Day – customary Māori art, storytelling and waiata
Gisborne Competition Society Festival of the Arts – multi-disciplinary arts for young people
He Timatanga Hou Gathering and Weaving Group – customary Māori arts
Diwali Festival of Light – Indian dance festival
School holiday music programme - music and circus arts
Aotearoa Surf Film Festival – free outdoor film night
Dream Big, Pen to Mike – creative music workshop for rangatahi
Shattered Dreams documentary update – filming and editing
Tutored figurative and life drawing – seven workshops
Sleeping Beauty pantomime – musical comedy theatre
Mozart Magnificence – musical performance
Sister Act – musical theatre production
Hau Kainga Exhibition – customary Māori arts
Waiora: Te Ūkaipo – theatre production
Smokefreerockquest Tairāwhiti 2025 – contemporary music competition for rangatahi
Toi Pūrākau: My Story in Motion – art and storytelling through animation
Gisborne Big Band – establish a swing band to develop young musicians and singers
Five Films for Freedom – international LGBTQIA+ film event
State Highway 35 Residency – music and drama residency for rangatahi of Tolaga Bay
Bad Jelly the Witch – theatre production
Matariki Glow Show – theatre puppetry
Annual dance competitions – tap, ballet, modern, hip hop, musical theatre and lyrical
No Frills: One story, Two Actors, Infinite possibilities – theatre improvisation show
