November 1 deadline for Creative Communities arts funding

Artists and arts project and event managers have until 1 November to apply for Round 4 Far North Creative Communities Scheme grants for 2022, ahead of an assessment committee meeting to consider applications on 29 November.

The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) committee last met online on 8 September, the third quarterly meeting of 2022.

“Again, we received a record number of applications for this funding round,” says committee chairperson Wally Hicks.

“Our new community representative, Ann Winship, attended her first meeting and we considered 15 applications to fund arts projects and events, nine of which were successful.”

Projects as diverse as Rarotongan Ki Katu/Head Dress making, publishing an anthology of poems, a trust supporting youth and emerging artists, dance, community concerts, touring stand-up comedy, a ceramics exhibition, a ‘living-room-musical’ tour, and taonga puoro toi Māori/musical instruments received funding in part or in full.

However, Mr Hicks says the committee was concerned that it had to decline six applications due to a lack of supporting documents, notably quotes for budget items. He advises applicants thoroughly read application guidelines on the Far North District Council website before applying and to ensure required documents, such as quotes, letters of support, and statements of financial position are included.

Creative Communities encourages all those in the creative arts and culture sector to review the Creative Communities webpage on the FNDC website, and to contact a funding advisor or a Creative Communities committee member if they have questions about their application. Arts events must begin after the next CCS meeting scheduled for 29 November 2022.