Auckland arts sector secures Council funding boost

Auckland Council funding will be distributed among 22 arts organisations to deliver events and activities across Tāmaki Makaurau, in the latest round of Regional Arts and Culture grants for 2024/2025.

Council’s Community Committee approved a total $320,429 in grants from applications across a range of providers, big and small.

Among the successful applicants is the Black Grace Trust which was awarded $20,000. Black Grace Trust runs Black Grace Dance Company. Founded by Neil Ieremia, one of New Zealand’s leading choreographers, Black Grace performances showcase some of the country’s finest contemporary dancers.

The company recently closed Te Ahurei toi o Tāmaki  Auckland Arts Festival with its dance extravaganza, Black Grace – This Is Not A Retrospective. Funding from the council will be used to support performances of ‘Company B’ shows, focused on developing emerging artists, new audiences and a new appreciation for dance. 

Other activities now made possible include a multisensory theatre production from the Glass Ceiling Arts Collective, called AHI: After Mahuika.

Inspired by the Māori legend of Mahuika, the goddess of fire, AHI: After Mahuika provides an interactive theatre experience for all audiences. The show is designed to engage people, including those with disabilities, through touch, sound, light and movement during each performance.

Chair Councillor Angela Dalton says an exciting line-up of performances and activities lies ahead for Aucklanders, across a broad range of categories noting “a large number of applicants for this funding round reflects just how vibrant and lively our arts and creative sector in Auckland has become.

“I can’t wait to get out and see as many of these incredible performances that have been made possible as I can. I encourage all Aucklanders to do the same.”

Two rounds of grants are delivered each year to regional arts organisations and artists through the council’s Regional Arts and Culture grants programme. The first round for 2024/2025 delivered $381,440 in October 2024 to 24 artists and activities throughout the region. A total of 64 applications were received for the second round of funding.

To inform the committee’s decision to allocate these grants, external assessment advice was sought and recommendations made by staff.

In the 2022/2023 funding round, 52 art groups benefitted from grants totalling $1,263,676. More than 300,000 people were able to enjoy and participate in the activities made possible as a result.

Reporting on the benefits of funding from the 2023/2024 programme will be available later this year.

Image. Black Grace performers in Company B - a show supported with council funding. Credit: Toaki Okano/ Auckland Council. Toaki Okano is a Japanese Photographer residing in New Zealand