Creative New Zealand supports contemporary bands

IFACCA/Artshub, 01 June 2005,New Zealand

New grants announced by Creative New Zealand include support for international tours by some of the country’s most promising bands. The idea is to assist the bands developing new audiences overseas, providing them with new opportunities and exposure to new markets. Supporting international activity is one of the priorities in Creative New Zealand’s Strategic Plan 2004-2007. One of the bands chosen for the project is Fat Freddy’s Drop, a seven-piece Wellington band that toured the South Island last year with Arts Board support. They were offered a $20,000 grant in this funding round to tour Britain and Europe to promote their debut album, Based on a True Story. Another band, Jakob will also tour Britain and Europe with the support of a $15,000 grant while Auckland band Dimmer was offered a $6222 grant towards a tour of Australia to promote the Australian release of a compilation of its first two records. “National and international tours offer a range of benefits for artists,” said Arts Board Chair Alastair Carruthers. “They extend the life of a work, provide employment, and help build audiences and new markets so that artists can enjoy sustainable and rewarding careers.” The Arts Board received 521 applications seeking more than $9.3 million during this funding round. 143 projects were offered grants totalling approximately $2.43 million. “We were careful to fund projects to a level where we could be confident they would be able to happen,” Mr Carruthers said. “However, across every artform, there were a number of high-quality projects the Arts Board was unable to support within available funds.” In making its decisions, the Arts Board focussed on three strategic priorities: the long-term career development of artists, the sustainability of professional arts organisations and international growth of New Zealand arts. Along with its support for international activity, the Arts Board also supported projects providing opportunities for artists to build rewarding and sustainable careers. This includes creative and professional development as well as projects to create new work. “We support a number of residencies, for instance, in partnership with institutions,” said Mr Carruthers. “Artists need a sustained period of time to focus on building their careers, either for professional development or to create new work. That’s what these residencies provide,” he said. For a complete list of Creative New Zealand project grants in this funding round, CLICK HERE For further information, CLICK HERE

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