Christchurch arts gets million dollar boost

Creative New Zealand has allocated up to $1 million to arts organisations in Christchurch until June 2014 for new earthquake recovery grants.
Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright said the grants would encourage artists and arts organisations to remain in or return to Christchurch to work.
Wainwright explained "with a vibrant and innovative arts scene, Christchurch can continue to be a creative and welcoming city as it rebuilds."
The new grants replace Creative New Zealand's earthquake emergency assistance grants and will support activity that makes it easier for artists and arts organisations to make and present art in the city, Wainwright said.
This could include performances in unusual or temporary venues or the subsidising of tickets to attract diverse audiences.
The grants could also help artists and arts organisations to investigate new ways of working such as sharing work spaces or developing new business models.
Since April 2011 Creative New Zealand has provided 93 earthquake emergency assistance grants totalling $1.98 million to artists and arts organisations affected by the Christchurch earthquakes.