Creative Communities grant supported graffiti exhibition

Every year Creative New Zealand provides money to councils to support local arts activities. Any individual, group or organisation can apply. Applications are now open for a share of the $12,500 funding Gisborne District Council has available.

Last year Tairāwhiti Youth Voice applied for funding to celebrate the skills of our young people. They were successful and in collaboration with the NZ Police used the funding to present a Graffiti Arts Exhibition in the Tairāwhiti Museum. This exhibition showcased how three young people had grown from tagging for fun, to fully fledged and accomplished artists, presenting their artwork in a formal gallery.

The three artists - Bob Henare, Seb Pedrioloi and Kym Nikora raised their profiles and became role models for youth in the community. They also raised the profile of graffiti as a legitimate art form.

The Creative Communities Funding Scheme allocates funding to local activities that are either:

• involve lots of the community in arts activities

• support diverse art and cultural traditions

• enable young people to engage and participate in the arts

Council must receive the applications by 5 pm on Friday 24 February 2012. “We can’t receive late applications as an assessment group of local people with knowledge and experience of the arts in the Gisborne region gets to together and looks at all applications at once. Information about the types of activities or projects that might be funded and also what can’t be funded is available,” says community development officer Barbara Dockley. “If someone has a good idea but wants to run it pass someone; I am here to help. I can also assist people to complete the application form if they contact me before the closing date.”

Application forms and further details are available from Council’s website or Customer Services in Fitzherbert Street and Council’s Te Puia Springs office.

Bob Henare, Seb Pedrioli and Kym Nikora with some of the work they produced for the exhibition.