$9.5m fund for RWC festival grants

Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully. Photo / Paul Estcourt

A $9.5 million lottery fund will support public events around next year's Rugby World Cup, the Government announced today.

The funding has been allocated by the Lottery Grants Board and will be administered by the Department of Internal Affairs.

Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully said applications for grants opened today and would close on September 17. Recipients will be advised in early November.

"During Rugby World Cup 2011 we will be staging a nationwide festival which will showcase the best of New Zealand's arts, food and wine, heritage, entertainment, experiences, and lifestyle," Mr McCully said.

Mr McCully said New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund grants could be used to cover costs including management, publicity and artists' fees.

Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy said the funding would help communities play a "major part in the festivities around Rugby World Cup 2011."

Funding decisions will be made by members of the 2011 Group - Bob Parker, Sir David Gascoigne, Bob Harvey, Sharon Hunter, and Wally Stone.

- NZHERALD STAFF