By BERNARD ORSMAN
A long-awaited regional fund to foster arts and cultural projects in Auckland will have $400,000 to distribute by Christmas.
The fund is a bonus for arts organisations such as the Auckland Philharmonia and Auckland Theatre Company, who are eagerly awaiting their share of an extra $20 million given by the Government to Creative New Zealand in May.
"When can we apply?" was the response from the general manager of the Auckland Philharmonia, Lloyd Williams, to news that Auckland and Manukau cities had endorsed an Arts Regional Trust.
The producer of the Auckland Theatre Company, Simon Prast, said the fund was another good sign for the arts and the theatre company would be lining up for a grant once it knew the criteria.
Mr Williams applauded Auckland and Manukau cities for keeping to the spirit of an effort by arts organisations and councils to have $30 million set aside two years ago from the disappearing Auckland Regional Services Trust for regional arts and culture.
The then National Government reluctantly agreed that $10 million of the $900 million trust assets handed to the funded agency Infrastructure Auckland could go to the region's seven councils on a per capita basis.
North Shore City was initially on board to put its $1.6 million into a regional trust but got sick of the delays and backed out of the partnership.
Waitakere City has twice voted against working regionally and is expected to vote again next week to disperse its $1.45 million allocation locally.
Rodney ($628,181), Papakura ($358,098) and Franklin ($317,542) are also going it alone.
Auckland ($3.2 million) and Manukau ($2.4 million) have pooled their money, and with interest, should have $6.4 million by Christmas.
A working party has agreed to invest $6 million and to use the interest for annual grants. The other $400,000 will be made available for grants.
$400,000 windfall for arts in Auckland
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