Auckland City Council is inviting applications for the first round of funding for this year's Creative Communities scheme.

Auckland City Council is inviting applications for the first round of funding for this year's Creative Communities scheme. Creative Communities is a partnership between Creative New Zealand and Auckland City Council that offers funding for projects that encourage active participation in the arts at a local level, allowing people to develop their artistic skills through diverse art projects that benefit the community.

Auckland City Council is running information sessions at various locations across the city from 9 to 27 February for groups and individuals with arts-related projects taking place between June 2009 and May 2010. The sessions provide advice on the application process and criteria, ensuring applicants have the best chance for success.

Cr Toni Millar, chairperson of the Creative Communities sub-committee says the new revised scheme encourages people to make the most of their own creative talents in a way that involves members of the local community. "The funding helps groups or individuals to get their projects off the ground. These can be new projects or fresh ideas that expand on existing arts ventures," says Ms Millar. "Even if you have applied for funding before, I would urge you to attend one of the information sessions to learn about the new criteria - this will greatly assist you in your application."

Don't miss out, applications are due 6 March for projects that take place between late June 2009 to early May 2010. For more information on Creative Communities and other Auckland City Council funding schemes, visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/grantsandfunding or phone 379 2020.

Public information sessions Monday, 9 February from 12pm TAPAC - The Auckland Performing Arts Centre 100 Motions Road Western Springs Tuesday, 10 February from 2pm Glen Innes Community Centre 106 Line Road Glen Innes Wednesday, 11 February from 7.30pm Fickling Convention Centre, Linfield Room 546 Mt Albert Road Three Kings Thursday, 12 February from 6pm Orakei Marae Wharekai end of Kupe Street Orakei Tuesday, 17 February from 11.30am Avondale Community Centre Avondale Room 99 Rosebank Road Avondale Friday, 20 February from 12pm Waiheke Artworks Theatre 2 Korora Road Oneroa Waiheke Island Wednesday, 25 February from 2pm Onehunga community Centre Manning Room 83 Church Street Onehunga Wednesday, 25 February from 7pm St Joseph's Primary Church Street, Onehunga Thursday, 26 February from 2pm Moitarehe Marae Great Barrier Island Friday, 27 February from 12pm Grey Lynn Community Centre Oval Room 510 Richmond Road Grey Lynn February 09