Professor Gareth Schott says he's thrilled to be able to perform a role that supports creative practitioners and brings more art and art events to the Waipā district.
University of Waikato Head of School, Te Kura Toi (School of Arts) Professor Gareth Schott has been appointed to the funding panel for the Creative Communities Scheme for the Waipā District Council.
Schott, who is himself not a stranger to the arts as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, says he’s looking forward to being part of the scheme that brings art to the district.
"I am delighted to join the funding allocation panel and participate in the Creative Communities Scheme in the Waipā District. As an arts educator I am very aware of how difficult it has been for creative practitioners during the global pandemic. The arts sector has been heavily affected by lockdowns, restrictions and cancellations.”
The scheme has two funding rounds, in March and October, and has $45,000 up for grabs for Waipā creative projects.
Eligible projects must support at least one of the following criteria:
- access and participation – creating opportunities for local communities to engage with and participate in local arts activities;
- diversity – supporting the diverse artistic cultural traditions of local communities;
- and young people – enabling people under 18 years to engage with and participate in the arts.
Individuals or groups can apply (New Zealand citizens or permanent residents).
Creative Communities Scheme administrator and Waipā District Council community advisor Gina Scott said the Waipā allocation has $45,000 available annually and encouraged people with creative ideas to get in touch.
“There is no limit to the amount of funding each application requests, however grants are typically given between $500 and $5,000.
Professor Schott says he would love to see lots of applications for the grants as he’s looking forward to learning more and being further involved with arts in the region.
“I live in the Waipa District and my wife is a practicing artist, so I am thrilled to be able to perform a role that supports creative practitioners and brings more art and art events to the district."
Information about the Creative Communities Scheme fund, eligibility criteria and application forms are available at waipadc.govt.nz/creativecommunities. To get independent advice on your project, visit creativewaikato.co.nz or email hello@creativewaikato.co.nz.
If you're keen on engaging with art education, check out our Major in Creative Media in the Bachelor of Communications, the focus is on preparing students for a creative career in the creative industries.
