Funding available for creative projects

Have you got an idea that will bring your little slice of Christchurch to life? Need some funding to get it off the ground?

Applications are now open for Council funding towards projects that will enliven the central city or suburban centres – from cultivating a community garden to art installations or a pop up theatre. Quick response funding up to $15,000 is available, but applications for larger projects and funding will also be considered.

Council Head of Urban Regeneration, Urban Design and Heritage Carolyn Ingles said the funding was available from the Transitional City Projects Fund to attract and retain creative and innovative talent in the city.

Previous funding recipient Tess Sheerin's mural of a seal on North Durham Street raised awareness for coastal pollution.

“This fund is a fantastic opportunity to bring a community project to life, or for an individual to fulfil a creative dream in your neighbourhood,” Ms Ingles said.

“Our vision for Christchurch as we rebuild is a lively, up-beat, fun city with amazing spaces that bring people together. This is a chance to jump in and get some funding towards your great idea. Christchurch has its share of vacant lots, buildings, walls and construction hoardings as the city rebuilds. And this is a quick response community fund to help you fill one!”

The Transitional City Projects Fund encourages individuals, community groups and businesses to participate in Christchurch’s regeneration with vibrant, positive and creative temporary projects that bring a new lease of life to otherwise vacant spaces.

“The fund supports temporary art projects and pocket parks, urban produce and market gardens and more. Each project tests and trials news ways of temporarily transforming vacant spaces into vibrant, greened and/or enlivened places – all for the public good,” Ms Ingles said.

“We want to increase support available for anyone with a good idea for bringing energy and life into the city.”

The Council has a total fund of $100,000 for the Central City and $50,000 for suburban areas.

Ms Ingles said projects would be considered that are well-planned, have partnerships already in place to deliver them within four months, and that will temporarily activate privately-owned vacant space for public benefit.

Previous recipients include artist Tess Sheerin, whose mural of a seal on North Durham Street raised awareness for coastal pollution; and Cultivate, a small-scale organic urban farm on a vacant site that provides meaningful work for youth, donates produce and sells produce to city restaurants.