Help dish out the Arts dosh

If you fit the criteria you can join a volunteer panel giving out funding for local artists: that’s the message from South Wairarapa District Council.

Don’t panic ratepayers: the putea to be distributed comes from the Creative NZ Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) _ via the government’s tax purse.

Four volunteers will be selected for the panel to help council distribute this funding for local arts (Ngā putea mo ngā toi o te haukainga) to young, upcoming and experienced artists in the South Wairarapa.

 Applicants will need to show clearly that they:

• celebrate diversity of artistic expression;

• desire to champion new artists as well as established ones;

• have a depth of experience and understanding of arts;

• can identify arts projects likely to succeed.

“Ideal candidates will have a background in the arts world, preferably a formal qualification or

experience, which will enable them to understand the diversity of artistic expression – and distribute

funding accordingly,” said Lina McManus, funding co-ordinator for SWDC.

Applicants of Māori and Pasifika descent would be a welcome addition to the CCS assessor community as well as other locals with diverse heritages in the arts community.

“We are eager to see a variety of arts projects in the next financial year with a focus on traditional

Māori, Pasifika and other cultural arts and performances,” she added.

“South Wairarapa District Council is looking for up to four candidates to be part of our CCS funding panel for up to three years to provide the community with longevity, although candidates can be on the panel for a shorter period of time. This is a voluntary role.”

It includes assessing funding applications and providing guidance to successful applicants to ensure their projects have the best chance of success.

“The CCS panel plays a vital role in the community by identifying projects that are likely to succeed,” she said.

Panel members will meet twice a year to assess applications from locals.

In the past year a dozen artists were allocated grants, ranging up to $2,000.

Find out more: South Wairarapa District Council Funding Coordinator Lina McManus, 06 306 9611 – x 937 or online: https://swdc.govt.nz/community/grants