Fund supports New Zealand’s public arts and heritage venues

June 12, 2022

A fund that has previously contributed to the preservation of Sir Edmund Hillary’s Antarctic hut and improving mobility access at Waikanae’s Mahara Gallery, is now open for new applications,

New Zealand Associate Minister for Arts and Culture, Kiri Allan announced last week “supporting communities to ensure their local arts, culture and heritage venues continue to provide value and enrich the culture of Aotearoa is important. These spaces bring people together, preserve the things we value, and tell our shared histories-for present and future generations.

"Subject to the quantity and calibre of applications this year’s round of the Regional Culture and Heritage Fund (RCHF) has up to $13 million available to support capital projects at performing arts venues, galleries, museums and whare taonga throughout Aotearoa.

"The RCHF is a contestable fund of last resort that assists communities to complete capital fundraising for eligible projects.

"While COVID-19 has made it challenging to advance capital projects generally, communities throughout New Zealand have long-planned cultural projects which now have the vast majority of funding in place. The RCHF supports projects like these by funding shortfalls to ensure projects reach completion.

"Some applications may be to commence seismic strengthening projects as a matter of urgency. Others may be climate crisis response projects to improve an institution’s energy and water use efficiencies.

"I also encourage applications for projects making taonga collections safer and more accessible to communities.

"Since the establishment of the RCHF, Government has supported 26 capital projects across the country, awarding a combined total of $39.7 million.

"Cultural institutions funded in the last round were Te Pou Theatre, Henderson, Auckland ($1,170,356) and the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, Rotorua ($632,000).

"It’s exciting to see the continued success of regional cultural venues like these, as they are absolutely vital to the wellbeing of our communities.”.

Applications, for capital projects with funding shortfalls, are invited to apply by 5pm on Friday 15 July 2022.

Click here for more information on the Regional Culture and Heritage Fund.

Images: The preservation of Sir Edmund Hillary’s Antarctic hut has previously been funded by the Regional Culture and Heritage Fund. Credit: Antarctic Heritage Trust.

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