Creative and Waste Minimisation grants now open

Creative Communities Scheme funding for Centre Stage Taupo’s 39 Steps: A Live Radio Play led to sell-out shows and a boost for the local amateur theatre group’s technology.

Centre Stage president and director of the play Kylie Dumble says the group applied for two lots of funding.

“One to help cover the cost of music direction for the Taupō Concert Band and another for some emergency sound equipment hire,” she says.

“During rehearsals, we quickly realised we had to update our sound equipment. It was old and very unreliable – not ideal for the show we were putting on!”

Centre Stage budgets for 60 percent occupancy when planning a show because it is hard to predict whether a production will connect with the community.

“Applying for the grants meant we could take that financial pressure off,” Kylie says.

“39 Steps was a very different show for us but it quickly gained popularity. All the shows sold out so we added an extra night, and then that show sold out! The extra funds that we made from the show have helped to pay for a new sound system for the theatre.”

Have a project that you’d like help funding? Groups and individuals can apply to the Creative Communities Scheme and Waste Minimisation Fund from now until 30 September.

The Creative Communities Scheme is a partnership between Creative New Zealand, Taupō District Council and Creative Taupō to help fund local art projects.

The Waste Minimisation Fund comes from the Ministry for the Environment to help local waste reduction initiatives.

To learn more about the grants and apply, visit www.taupo.govt.nz/grants.