Calling art lovers to join a panel to distribute funding for local arts (Ngā putea mo ngā toi o te haukainga) to young, upcoming and experienced artists in the South Wairarapa by applying to South Wairarapa District Council in writing or via contact details below by 5pm on Monday 2 September.

Ideal candidates will have a background in the arts world, preferably a formal qualification or experience, which will enable them to understand the diversity of artistic expression – and distribute funding accordingly.

These funds come from the Creative NZ Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) and panel members will meet twice a year to assess applications from locals. Applicants of Māori and Pasifika descent would be a welcome addition to the CCS assessor community as well as other locals with diverse heritages in the arts community.

“We are eager to see a variety of arts projects in the next financial year with a focus on traditional Māori, Pasifika and other cultural arts and performances,” says Lina McManus, Funding Coordinator for SWDC.

“South Wairarapa District Council is looking for up to four candidates to be part of our CCS funding panel for up to three years to provide the community with longevity, although candidates can be on the panel for a shorter period of time. This is a voluntary role.”

The role is two fold, including assessing funding applications and providing guidance to successful applicants to ensure their projects have the best chance of succeeding.

Applications to this fund are encouraged to reflect a diversity of artistic voices, including arts festivals, exhibitions, workshops, choirs, poets, potters and theatre groups to those developing new tukutuku, whakairo or kowhaiwhai for local marae.

“The CCS panel plays a vital role in the community by identifying projects that are likely to succeed and giving guidance to successful applicants to help them to maximise the promotional and artistic elements of their projects.”

Applicants to the panel need to show clearly that they:

• Celebrate diversity of artistic expression
• Desire to champion new artists as well as established ones
• Have a depth of experience and understanding of arts
• Can identify arts projects likely to succeed

If this sounds like you, find out more and contact South Wairarapa District Council Funding Coordinator Lina McManus, phone 06 306 9611 ex 860 or online at Grants – SWDC SWDC