Council's arts grant

The council's Creative Communities portfolio lead, Councillor Glenys Searancke, said the funding provided a real opportunity for more local people to become involved in the arts.

Rotorua arts groups and individuals are being encouraged to apply for funding for their creative projects through the Rotorua District Council's Creative Communities scheme.

Creative Communities Rotorua is a partnership between central government agency Creative New Zealand and the council.

The aim of the Rotorua scheme, which has a total of $28,000 available for grants, is to help local communities to create opportunities that encourage arts activities within Rotorua.

Closing date for applications is September 26 with successful funding allocations expected to be announced in November.

The council's Creative Communities portfolio lead, Councillor Glenys Searancke, said the funding provided a real opportunity for more local people to become involved in the arts.

"Funding is available for applications that meet one or more of the scheme's three criteria, broad community involvement, diversity, and young people.

"This scheme encourages local people to participate in any of the arts. This could include exhibitions, festivals, workshops or presentations that provide opportunities for community involvement in the arts, and activities that support the traditions and arts of ethnic communities."

Mrs Searancke said it was also available for materials, arts activities, personnel costs for short-term projects and promotion of arts activities to communities.

Application forms are available at the council Customer Centre, Rotorua Library, and online at rdc.govt.nz.