Central Hawke’s Bay’s arts and culture sector will benefit from an increase in funding this year with $23,490 available through Central Hawke’s Bay District Council’s (CHBDC’s) Creative Communities Scheme (CCS), now open for applications. Administered by CHBDC through Creative NZ, the fund increased this year by nearly $10,000 thanks to Creative NZ’s new funding formula which sees smaller regions receiving the largest increases in funding. CHBDC will administer the funding across two rounds of applications, each offering $11,745 for local arts projects and activities. The first round is open now until 30 August, and the second in February 2020. Last year, nearly $15,000 was allocated to support local arts groups across CHB with projects like the Collaborative Christmas tree project, an initiative run by Waipukurau arts and crafts to showcase the works of CHB’s crafts community; the Matariki Festival; the Nelly Jull Summer Series; and the production of Mamma Mia. 
Local groups and individuals applying for funding must meet one or more of three of the following funding criteria to qualify for support: supporting cultural diversity; encouraging broad community involvement; and enabling young people to actively participate in the arts. Applications are reviewed by the Central Hawkes Bay District Creative Communities Independent Assessment Committee. The committee follows strict parameters when collating the applications and allocating the funding. CHBDC’s Chief Executive Officer Monique Davidson said “We recognise the important role our creative sector plays in connecting communities and enriching our lives through events and activities that are vibrant, diverse and inclusive.” “Our local events calendar is a testament to our community’s arts sector and highlights the abundance of talent we have in our district, from large to small scale projects. It’s exciting to see this vibrant sector build on what is already an incredibly talented and dynamic pool of individuals and projects and we hope this extra funding will support further growth in this sector.” Round one of funding is open for applications until 30 August. Find out more about CCS and apply by emailing [email protected] or visiting www.chbdc.govt.nz
