Arts funding enriches Auckland’s cultural landscape

Twenty-four regional arts organisations, communities and artists have been approved for Auckland Council funding to deliver an array of art-related activity across Tāmaki Makaurau in the upcoming months.

The council's Community Committee has granted a total of $381,440 to 24 applicants in the first round of Auckland's Regional Arts and Culture grants for 2024/2025.

Committee chair, Councillor Angela Dalton, says the three types of grants available through this fund provide exceptionally good value to Aucklanders for the money allocated by the council.

"This programme recognises the ongoing value that providers of art and culture across the region can bring to support wellbeing and connectedness in our communities," says Councillor Dalton.

"More than 300,000 people were able to see projects delivered with help from these grants in 2022/23. Of that number, at least 50,000 people were able to physically take part in those events and activities."

"On top of that, a huge number of people enjoy the well-established regional performances and programmes put on each year by larger providers, who are receiving multi-year funding through strategic relationship grants."

The council's regional grants budget provides contestable funding to support art and culture projects of varying sizes and scopes. The three categories are:

• Audience development and programming grants support a wide range of experiences that are often one-off events. Sixteen recipients will receive these grants, from $5,000 to $15,000.

• Business and capacity development project grants help providers to develop strategic plans; feasibility studies; and digital development activities. Four applications have been approved.

• Strategic relationship grants provide larger, more established providers with multi-year funding to deliver significant events recognised as the 'cornerstones' of a thriving arts and culture sector in Auckland. Five organisations will receive two or three-year funding support.

All applications are assessed by an independent panel, with recommendations based on how well they meet the programme's criteria and funding priorities.

Grants delivered through the programme align with the Toi Whītiki - Arts and Culture Strategic Action Plan, and the council's goal of integrating art and culture into our lives to create a culturally rich and creative region.

Auckland Council's Regional Funding Advisor Catherine George says many of the recipients provide unique experiences to their audiences, such as the Tim Bray Theatre Company's regional 'Mrs Wishy-Washy' tour, Te Tuhi's Chinese art appreciation programme, and Panacea Arts' Māpura Studios programme for disabled people.

"One criteria we consider is the ability to reach Aucklanders who may not otherwise get to enjoy art and cultural experiences. Our view is that it's important to support these activities, so we continue to grow culturally and inclusively," says Ms George.

Māpura Studios spokesperson John Ferriss says the council's generous $15,000 grant will help to resource classes and make a positive difference in many people's lives.

"It will go a long way to help us provide art and art therapy classes to disabled and marginalised people in our central Morningside Studio as well as our satellite classes throughout Greater Auckland and our free community classes in South Auckland. We are very appreciative to receive this support," says Mr Ferriss.

A total fund of $1,331,869 is available to support Regional Arts and Culture through the programme this financial year over two allocations. Applications for the next round will open from 1 October to 26 January, with allocations to be made in April 2025.

Artists in Māpura Studios take part in the Leading a Creative Life programme, supported by Auckland Council funding.

Grants approved on 24 September 2024:

Organisation	Activity Name	Funding Allocation
Audience development and programming
Auckland Pride Festival	Pride Elevates	$15,000
Connected Media Trust	Day One Hāpai te Haeata - Stories for a better tomorrow	$10,000
Girls Rock Aotearoa	To The Front Tāmaki Makaurau	$5,000
Kāhui St David's / Friends of St David's Trust Kāhui Rangi Pūpū	"Green Door Open" and "Refugee Choir" programmes	$7,000
NZ Barok	NZ Barok Celebrating 20 Years 2004-2024	$3,000
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Foundation	Mana Moana | Songs of the Pacific	$10,000
Panacea Arts Charitable Trust	Outreach arts for disabled and diverse communities	$15,000
Plumb Productions	A Dolls House - Part 2 by Lucas Hnath	$9,019
Polynesian Entertainers	Siva Afi Festival	$10,672
Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre	Music Therapy Holiday Programmes in Tāmaki Makaurau	$12,530
Te Pou Theatre	Kōanga Festival 2025	$15,000
Te Rehia Theatre	"Kōpū" Christmas Season	$10,000
Te Tuhi	Chinese art appreciation programme	$12,000
The Rebel Alliance	Retirement village performances of " Back to Square One?" Tāmaki Makaurau	$5,000
The Theatreview Trust	Auckland Theatre Editor	$12,000
Tim Bray Theatre Company	'Mrs. Wishy-Washy' regional tour	$15,000
Total		$159,221
Business capacity and development
Depot Arts and Music Space Trust	Digital Transformation and Implementation of Digital Business Strategy	$15,000
Performing Arts Network New Zealand	PANNZ Arts Market	$15,000
The Massive Company Trust	Google Analytics GA4 Migration and Marketing Coordinator Professional Development	$7,219
The Rebel Alliance	Strategic plan	$10,000
Total		$47,219
Strategic relationship grants
Artspace Aotearoa	Artspace Aotearoa provides an artist-led non-profit contemporary art gallery located in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. It presents an outstanding annual programme of contemporary art.	$45,000 over 3 years
Depot Arts and Music Space	To provide regional services including Wayfind Creative, Depot Sound, Creative Careers Services and Whare Toi	$20,000 over 2 years
The Big Idea Re Aria Nui Charitable Trust	Provide an online hub of creative possibilities, learning, employment, news, events, connection and inspiration	$25,000 over 1 year
The Documentary New Zealand Trust (Doc Edge)	Celebrate, support and showcase documentary film through a range of programmes including a festival, schools programme and professional development for filmmakers	$45,000 over 3 years
Touch Compass Dance Trust	To provide Aotearoa's leading professional disability-led arts organisation. Create accessible high-quality performances, inclusive arts education and arts activations.	$40,000 over 2 years
Total		$175,000
TOTAL APPROVED		$381,440

To learn more about the range of regional and local grants we provide and how you can apply for them, visit the Auckland Councilwebsite.

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