Te Aka Tawhito by Jacob Wilkins
May Grants - over $490K to Support Arts, Music, Science and Youth
In May, The Otago Community Trust awarded $492, 678 supporting a diverse range of initiatives that will enrich the region through science engagement, performing arts, music education and youth development opportunities.
Leading the way was a $90,000 grant to the New Zealand International Science Festival. Being Aotearoa’s only festival dedicated to the wonders of science, this grant will go towards the main 2025 festival, while also supporting the smaller NanoFest in June/July this year.
NanoFest will feature events including talks and workshops, as well as the highly anticipated first-ever (in Aotearoa) free public drone sky show during Matariki weekend (29th June). The dazzling display of over 200 programmable light drones is themed around Māori arts and culture and is expected to attract audiences nationwide.
The performing arts also received a boost with Taki Rua Productions Society receiving an $8,500 grant to bring their Te Reo Māori Season production Te Aka Tawhito to Otago schools and communities. This vibrant theatrical work by Tere Harrison is performed entirely in te reo Māori and tells the story of Rongotai pursuing her dream of becoming Aotearoa’s top DJ. Accessible to all, this engaging show provides tamariki with an immersive avenue to learn about and celebrate Māori culture while being inspired to use te reo in their everyday lives.
And a $25,000 grant to Tokomairiro High School funds an innovative Forestry Pathways Training program in Milton. Tailored to students at risk of disengaging from education, this hands-on course provides practical skills, work experience and pre-employment training to prepare students for careers in the local forestry industry.
The full Media Release for May can be viewed below:
Latest Grants
The full list of grants can always be found on the Otago Community Trust website.
https://www.oct.org.nz/news/latest-grants
