Funding to see hip-hop concerts expanded

Jordan Turner.

Local hip-hop artist Jordan Turner, aka Turner Knows, is providing a platform to showcase local hip-hop talent on a monthly basis.

However, funding he has just received from Horowhenua District Council in partnership with Creative NZ will make a huge difference in the quality and safety of the events, he said.

"In the past I have run the events without a budget and have been limited with what equipment I could use."

Turner said the funding also came as a relief because in the past there had been security concerns for the R18 event.

"Now I can afford security and everybody will be required to produce their ID."

Turner applied for a grant under the Creative Communities Scheme, which provides funding to allow communities to set up and promote a wide variety of local arts activities.

Creative NZ is a national agency which partners with councils to deliver the scheme.

Horowhenua District Council community development adviser Joshua Wharton said all decisions on how to allocate the funding is undertaken by a panel of nominated local community members.

He said the committee was "really enthusiastic" in its support of Turner's event because it is run by a local person showcasing other local talent.

In his first few monthly events there was a "really good buy-in" from locals, with up to 70 people attending one of the concerts, he said.

For every concert, Turner has created a CD that includes songs from each hip-hop artist performing on the night. The CDs are given out to everyone who bought a ticket.

Wharton said local artists have an opportunity to perform and take pride in their music being put onto a CD with other established artists.

He said the committee was inspired to see that Jordan, successful through his own music, was looking back and helping other artists to find their feet.

Under the Creative communities scheme, $27,500 is awarded each year, split into two separate funding rounds.

¦The next Hip Hop Monthly is this Saturday, April 29, tickets $10 (limited CDs), A.E.B, 86 Oxford St, Levin, (through service lane).