Creative funds put to productive use

A funding scheme for creative projects is helping produce excellent results in local community initiatives, says Janet Luxton, a community arts worker with the Christchurch City Council.

Projects include a student art exhibition in The Space Gallery at 1 Bedford Row, and a giant wall mural organised by Floyd's Creative Arts Trust in Durham Street.

The Christchurch City Council works in partnership with Creative New Zealand to distribute arts funds to successful applicants for specific community arts projects.

This year the committee expects to allocate $195,000 to some 500 recipient groups in four separate rounds of funding.

The committee expects to allocate $195,000 to some 500 recipient groups

Richard Rowe with the Floyd's mural in Durham Street

Recently The Space Gallery received $490 to help fund a youth art exhibition in which 14 secondary school students learnt to organise, promote and participate in their own exhibition. The gallery's director, Sarah Amazinnia, said the three week event was an outstanding success with six works sold to the public.

Across town, Floyd's Creative Arts Trust received $1,075 to fund a further stage in the evolution of a large mural on a high wall by the South City car park off Durham Street.

Trust manager Richard Rowe said the mural, which was started by ex-psychiatric patients earlier this year, will be completed by other disadvantaged groups such as those with disabilities or who are unemployed.

"The participants get tremendous pride and satisfaction in creating something highly original and worthwhile," Richard said.

To obtain further information about Creative Communities grants,
contact Janet Luxton on 941 8886.

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Tourist operators say "Yes" to projects

Local tourist operators have given an overwhelming vote of confidence to the Christchurch City Council's major projects.

Of 160 businesses surveyed by the Canterbury Tourism Council, 99 per cent believe these projects will boost the appeal of Christchurch as a visitor destination.

The Council's major projects include the Convention Centre, the WestpacTrust Sports and Entertainment Centre, Victoria Square, Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch Tramway and Cashel St Mall.

Asked whether these developments will enhance Christchurch as a destination for international and domestic visitors, tourist sector respondents were virtually unanimous in their support, according to Canterbury Tourism Council chief executive Jeanette Elliot.

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November 1997 City Scene ~ City Scene Archive