06 Dec 2017
Eight arts projects expressing the rich cultural diversity of New Zealand’s largest and most ethnically diverse city will receive more than $400,000 from the Auckland Diversity Project Fund in 2017.
The Fund is a partnership between Creative New Zealand and Foundation North that aims to increase arts participation in Māori, Pacific and Asian communities in Auckland.
The projects celebrate the ethnic diversity of Auckland and include a multi-cultural children’s picture book and an original dance story combining Māori, Polynesian and Chinese narratives and rhythms.
“We’re thrilled to be supporting such fantastic projects that not only celebrate diversity but bring cultures together to contribute in artistically exciting ways,” said Cath Cardiff, Creative New Zealand Senior Manager – Arts Development.
“We have a clear mandate to support the arts for the benefit of all New Zealanders. Through this fund we can make a greater impact through our invaluable partnership with Foundation North,” she said.
Many of the projects demonstrate collaborations between established arts organisations, venues and communities across Auckland and include a range of arts practices.
Foundation North Chief Executive Jennifer Gill said the projects are shining examples of the Fund’s intent.
“Our collaboration with Creative New Zealand means that, for the third year running, new art which has its roots in Māori, Pacific and Asian heritage can be produced to a very high standard for an increasing number of Aucklanders to enjoy across our city.”
About the Auckland Diversity Project Fund
Launched in July 2015, this three year pilot is a partnership with Foundation North that supports high quality work engaging Māori, Pacific and Asian audiences and artists in the Auckland region with up to $100,000 available per project. The Auckland Diversity Project Fund has supported 13 projects since 2015. Many have taken strong intercultural approaches, fostering connections and brokering conversations about identity, belonging and migration in New Zealand’s largest city.
Funded projects
Second Nature Charitable Trust, ONE ~ ‘The Earth Rises’, $80,000
Toward the creation and presentation of an original dance story combining Māori, Polynesian and Chinese narratives, rhythms, dance and movements.
Proudly Asian Theatre, Orientation, $50,136
Toward a new show about race, love and sex by Proudly Asian Theatre, programmed for Q Theatre's matchbox season in 2018.
New Zealand Dance Company, Tamaki Outreach Programme: Stage Two, $90,000
Toward stage two of the Tamaki outreach programmes in Tamaki Makurau.
Auckland Arts Festival, Whānui18, $73,320
Toward creating a series of community-led projects with Māori, Pacific and Asian communities at the Auckland Arts Festival 2018.
Whiti Ora o Kaipara Charitable Trust, Kaipara picture book and readings, $23,750
Toward the publication of a multicultural picture book for children that connects them to their heritage.
Corban Estate Arts Centre, Who is your Audience? – Exhibition, $2620
An exhibition focusing on Asian contemporary art practices in Auckland.
Te Pou Theatre, Ngā tini Reo o Te Pou - The Many Diverse Voices of Te Pou, $65,000
A programme of translations and adaptations of Waiting for Godot for Māori, Samoan and Cantonese language groups.
Ann Poulsen, Story Club, $30,000
Toward the recording, curation and celebration of the cultural narratives of West Auckland by its youth.
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