Almost $27K available for local arts initiatives

Locals have a week left to apply for the next funding round for Creative Communities Rotorua.

Applications for the fund, which supports new arts projects in the community, close next Tuesday .

"With nearly $27,000 available... this is a fantastic opportunity for locals with an artistic passion to make their dreams a reality," local Creative Communities Scheme administrator Julie Parsons said.

The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) provides funding to local arts projects ranging from dance, literature, crafts and film to music, Pacific arts, theatre and visual arts.

St Michael's Catholic School received $2000 in funding in February, and has recently completed its project.

The school engaged an artist to work with students to develop boards inspired by nature, which would then be used to cover a shipping container in the playground.

Local artist Janet Keen helped the students explore gardens and parks to create nature designs.

Creative Communities Rotorua is a partnership between Creative New Zealand and Rotorua Lakes Council.

Its main focus is to stimulate and provide support to arts and culture projects which encourage community involvement, support the diversity and cultural traditions of local communities and enable youth to engage with and participate in the arts.

In the last funding round $30,000 was given to 20 local arts initiatives.

Successful projects included community art events, a youth singing competition, Cook Island arts workshops, exhibitions, theatre projects and music events.

Applications must be for arts projects which have not yet started and will be completed within 12 months of funding.

Applications can be downloaded from www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/creativecommunities