Read about three arts funding recipients and their upcoming work. Telling a funding applicant they've been successful is one of the most rewarding parts of our jobs in Ara Toi.

The arts grants rounds are always a busy time for us here at Ara Toi. We do our best to provide as much assistance as possible in the weeks leading up to the application deadlines. Our fantastic Administrator, Anne, works wonders to get all the information where it needs to be as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Once this is done, the Ara Toi Creative Advisors start the assessment process, which involves a lot of thought, research, and robust discussion, after which the Grants Subcommittee members make the final decision on approving grants.

If you want to know what else got funding, full lists of successful applications can be found on the DCC funding webpage.

CNZ Creative Communities Scheme

Most of the applications we receive come from people and organisations based in the immediate urban area, so it’s always great to see applications from the furthest reaches of Ōtepoti city limits.

The Strath-Taieri Historical Society was successful in getting funding approved for a new mural and the side of the Middlemarch Museum will soon boast a very visible example of grants funding in action. Artist Jemima Pedro’s work draws on the environmental and social histories of the Strath-Taieri; the new art installation will be unveiled and celebrated with a community-wide celebration in December.

DCC Arts grant

A benefit of seeing applications come in over several years is seeing a project grow and develop from the kernel of an idea. It is wonderful to see how DCC funding has helped the Dunedin Jazz Club go from strength to strength. Providing the musicians of the Dunedin Youth Jazz Orchestra with valuable opportunities to play for the public is just one of the things that makes our Ara Toi hearts happy.

Regular live jazz performances are a great addition to Ōtepoti’s live music ecosystem. By focussing on its core business and taking time to build up creative and professional relationships the DJC has a strong foundation that it can build upon. See what they’ve been up to over the past couple of years on their website. Roll on the 2023 season!

DCC Professional Theatre Fund

Theatre and nature lovers will be pleased to hear that Dunedin Summer Shakespeare returns to the Botanical Gardens in 2023 with the help of funding from the PTF. Magic in the Air is described as a “Shakespeare sampler” and will bring together a selection of the Bard’s most magical scenes. The four performances will take place over two weekends in mid-February. Last season’s productions were booked out, so be sure to snaffle your places early for this summer’s shows.