Much-needed funds are now available for those with creative projects in mind, and for young people travelling for sports.
Whakatāne District Council has launched the latest round of the Creative Communities Scheme and the Sport NZ Rural Travel Fund and is welcoming applications by Friday, 8 September 2023.
The Creative Communities Scheme aims to increase participation in the arts at a local level and enhance the range and diversity of arts available within communities. The funding is divided into three categories: Access and Participation; Diversity; Young People. Applications to the scheme can be made either as individuals or groups.
Whakatāne District Council Community Partnerships Manager, Frank Begley, says the scheme offers support for projects rather than applicants. There is also extra one-off funding included in this round for festivals and events.
“All applications are assessed according to the merit of the project,” he explains. “There’s a good range of projects eligible for funding, from events and productions to workshops, giving opportunities for community involvement in the arts, youth arts events and artist-led projects.”
Likewise, the Sport NZ Rural Travel Fund is focussed on giving local communities the opportunity to thrive. Any sports groups with young people aged 5-18 years who need to travel to take part in regular competitions might qualify for help with travel costs. Edgecumbe Primary School was a successful applicant in the last funding round, and Principal Mark Barratt says it made a significant difference to some of their students.
“We’re always looking for ways to increase participation in sports for health and wellbeing reasons,” he says. “The Sport NZ Rural Travel Fund enabled us to transport students from Edgecumbe to Matatā to compete in a weekly after-school Rippa Rugby competition. This removed barriers for some who might not otherwise have been able get involved. It’s potentially life-changing.”
Anyone keen to apply for funding for either or both of these initiatives should visit the Whakatāne District Council website. Applications close 5pm Friday, 8 September.