A youth art exhibition, master-quilting classes, traditional ta moko and korowai workshops, and a youth song quest are just a few of the initiatives to receive support through the latest Whakatāne District Creative Communities Scheme funding round.
Chair of the Assessment Committee, Kay Boreham, says committee members are excited about the cultural activities the community will have access to.
“The Whakatāne Creative Communities Scheme is aimed at increasing participation in the arts at a local level and increasing the range and diversity of arts available within communities.
"It’s been wonderful to see the talent and enthusiasm we have within our District for promoting and developing the arts,” she says. “We have some great projects and initiatives happening in our own backyard, but we also have a lot of untapped potential that I believe some of these projects will help to unlock."
The latest Creative Communities funding round will see $16,012 allocated to 10 projects within the District. The successful projects include:
- Tā Moko Wānanga – Revitalising Tā Moko in the Rūātoki community using local artists
- Arts Whakatāne – Summer Arts 2019 promotional assistance
- CHUR – Eastern Bay of Plenty Young Artists Exhibition
- Eastbay Quilters – Workshops with visiting Australian Tutor
- Stagedoor Performing Arts Academy – The Little Mermaid Youth Production
- Te Kowhai Aroha Korowai – Korowai workshops for Murupara community
- Talofa Papa – Award-winning Samoan clowning theatre show
- Toro Pikipiko Puppets – Rock-art puppet shows and workshops
- Yeah Nah It’s Not OK – 2018 Youth Song Quest
- Eastbay REAP – Ko koutou, ngā rangatahi o te rohe Ngāti Awa: Youth art project with Matakiri focus.
Creative Communities applications for funding are considered twice a year, in May and November. Applications can be made to the Whakatāne Creative Communities Scheme, either as individuals or groups.