Creative New Zealand Earthquake Grants Announced

11th July 2012

Earthquake Emergency Assistance Grants equaling more than $290,000 have been handed out by Creative New Zealand since December 2011 to support the arts in Christchurch.

Community initiative Gap Filler received $100,000 towards creative projects they are developing in vacant spaces around the city. The grant, over two years, will allow the group to expand their innovative schemes for the city’s regeneration.

Other grants from December 2011 to June 2012 include $54,520 to Strike Percussion for the loss of income as a direct result of the earthquakes; Christchurch Primary Schools Cultural Festival received $30,000 to help run their annual event for Canterbury’s primary and intermediate pupils and the Contemporary Circus Trust gained $9,129 towards the rental and fit-out of a new venue, which will provide a central hub for circus practitioners throughout the city.

Creative New Zealand has given more than $1.9m in grants to artists, arts practitioners and arts organisations directly affected by the Canterbury earthquakes since 2010. The Earthquake Emergency Response Fund was established in addition to Creative New Zealand’s existing funding programmes.

For information about eligibility and how to apply go to www.creativenz.govt.nz/earthquakegrants