Call-out for passionate arts advocates

Whanganui District Council is calling for local arts advocates to apply for a role as a Creative Communities Scheme Assessor, helping shape funding decisions that support creativity and participation across the district. 

 

The Creative Communities Scheme is a partnership between the council and Creative New Zealand that enables local artists, groups and organisations to access funding for arts projects. The scheme is not funded by ratepayers.  Assessors play an important role in the funding process, reviewing funding applications twice a year, discussing projects with fellow panel members, and making funding recommendations.

 

The assessment panel is made up of eight people with four positions now available, including two dedicated places for young people aged between 16 and 24.

 

Community Activator Anique Jayasinghe says the opportunity provides a chance for passionate arts advocates to contribute to the future of Whanganui’s creative community.

 

“We’d love to have a couple of youth voices at the table to advise on assessment and projects. This is an exciting opportunity for a young person interested in the arts to gain a broader perspective of the local arts community and how funding works, while also contributing their own skills and experience to the panel,” says Anique.

 

The call-out aims to strengthen the panel’s range of knowledge and experience by welcoming people with expertise across specific artforms, including craft, object art, theatre, literature and dance.

 

Current panel assessor and Whanganui film producer Whetū Fala says the role comes with its challenges, but also its rewards.  

 

"Yes, it's a time commitment and choosing what can be funded is tough," says Whetū. 

 

"The upside is that our mahi supports locals to create a variety of art and arts events that help make Whanganui an amazing place to live, and when you get to see them, Ka mutu pea!" 

 

Training and onboarding are provided for all new assessors to support them in understanding the assessment process and their role on the panel. 

 

While payment for Creative Communities Scheme assessors is not a national standard set or subsidised by Creative New Zealand, Whanganui’s scheme provides a nominal payment to recognise the time and contribution assessors make through application assessment and meeting attendance.  

 

Expressions of interest are now open for people interested in joining the Creative Communities Scheme assessment panel. Applicants can download and complete an Expression of Interest form by visiting the council website