Christchurch Earthquake update
Tribute to Christopher Doig OBE by Stephen Wainwright, Chief Executive of Creative New Zealand
On 19 October, I joined many others to mourn the loss and celebrate the many achievements of Christopher Keith Doig. Chris was a remarkable man who had the rare ability to build coalitions that got results when success looked unlikely. He was a great mentor, a loving critic, a strong guide and a remarkable performer. This gift manifested itself in a variety of ways and in diverse settings. I recall his first Arts Council meeting in 2006. Chris confidently gave a three minute kōrero in te reo Māori that he had learnt by heart. He amazed and delighted those present. It was quite the delivery, from a truly remarkable man who worked tirelessly for the arts. He will be greatly missed.
Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust
Vodafone and the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust have recently launched a $4 million fund to help rebuild Christchurch communities, places and services. The Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund will offer small grants of between $5000 and $25,000, to charitable and not-for-profit organisations. Projects will need to demonstrate clear outcomes that strengthen Christchurch communities. If you have an arts proposal that you would like to discuss, contact Chris Herbert at Creative New Zealand (chris.herbert@creativenz.govt.nz or 027 742 6486).
Recovery Strategy release by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Agency (CERA)
CERA released a Draft Recovery Strategy for Greater Christchurch and has received the public’s feedback. Creative New Zealand is working with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage to create a plan for the recovery of the cultural sector. This will be part of the main Recovery Strategy. Consultation on the management plan is expected to occur in Christchurch in late November. Further details will be communicated through Arts Voice Christchurch.
Christchurch City Council Central City Plan
Hearings on the Draft Central City Plan took place in early October 2011. The arts community was well represented through submissions from organisations including, Creative New Zealand and Arts Voice Christchurch.
A particularly strong voice came from the Pacific arts community. It proposed a Pacific Islands Village (like the University of Auckland Fale Pasifika), which would offer a range of services and create a space for Pacific events and the profiling of Pacific arts and music. It was envisaged the village would benefit the Pacific community in Christchurch, as well as attract visitors to the city. The Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs is helping to facilitate discussions between the Pacific community and the Christchurch City Council on the proposal.
Once the council has considered the comments and changes are made to the final plan, it will be re-drafted for review by council. It is expected the final Plan will be adopted by the council in mid-December. It will be delivered to the Minister for Earthquake Recovery Gerry Brownlee in late December 2011 for his consideration and approval.
Creative New Zealand funding
Since the first earthquake in September last year, Creative New Zealand has awarded more than $1.65 million in Emergency Assistance Grants to the Christchurch arts sector, including a recent $22,150 grant to the Centre of Contemporary Art. Read the results of the latest round of Emergency Assistance Grants.
New initiatives in Christchurch can be funded through Creative New Zealand’s Quick Response or Arts Grants. Or you might like to know how to apply for an Earthquake Emergency Assistance Grant.
Arts Voice Christchurch Update
Discussions about The Arts Circus: a Transitional City Arts Neighbourhood project are underway between Arts Voice Christchurch, supported by Creative New Zealand; and Christchurch City Council staff.
What’s happening on the ground?
Placido Domingo and Katherine Jenkins
Placido Domingo and Katherine Jenkins, supported by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra National Youth Orchestra, sang to over 8,500 people at a one-off concert in the CBS Canterbury Arena on 6 October 2011. The concert, masterminded by the late Christopher Doig, raised more than $300,000 to support the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and The Court Theatre.
Visual arts news
Edwards + Johann (a collaboration between Dr. Victoria Edwards and Ina Johann) received an emergency assistance grant to make new work for an exhibition which opens at Chambers@241 on 1 November 2011. Creative New Zealand supported the establishment of Chambers@241 through an emergency assistance grant.
Jewellery gallery The National/Caroline Billing received support for Jacqui Chan’s Host a Brooch project through an emergency assistance grant. The exhibition has now travelled to Masterworks Gallery in Auckland.
Down by the Liffey Art Gallery received an emergency assistance grant to assist in its re-opening on 22 October 2011.
After his studio was damaged in the February earthquake, Tongan visual artist Kulimoe’anga Stone Maka has received support through an emergency assistance grant. Now he can get back to creating his striking work.
Rebuilding The Court Theatre in Addington
Building work on The Shed is progressing well as The Court Theatre looks to open its doors in December, with a production of A Short Cut to Happiness by Roger Hall. The former grain store in Addington is undergoing a significant transformation to ensure The Court can resume productions in time for opening night.
Reminders
Heartstrings gala auction has been deferred to February 2012.
Who can I talk to from Creative New Zealand?
If you have any questions about how Creative New Zealand might be able to help or about what we are doing, please contact Chris Herbert chris.herbert@creativenz.govt.nz or 027 742 6486.
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