Talented, motivated artists and creative individuals are the target for ART source, an exciting new development programme aimed at Manukau city's creative people who want to make a living out of their passion, talent and business ideas.

Talented, motivated artists and creative individuals are the target for ART source, an exciting new development programme aimed at Manukau city's creative people who want to make a living out of their passion, talent and business ideas. Image: Writer/actor Oscar Kightley will talk about his own journey as a creative entrepreneur at the ART source programme launch.

ART source promises to help individuals connected with the Manukau City community to realise the potential of their creative ideas and find strategies for future development. Once participants have been selected, it will give them a head-start, providing an individualised programme of development, including mentoring, networking and support, business skills and strategy development.

The inaugural programme is being run by the Auckland Region's Arts Regional Trust: Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi (ART) who have chosen to launch ART source in Otara, Manukau on 10 May. Giving a clear message about the exciting potential of the new programme will be Oscar Kightley, speaking about his own journey as a 'creative entrepreneur' in his career as writer, actor, and co-creator of bro'Town and Sione's Wedding. A live performance by Dziah Dance Crew, second-place getters at the World Hip Hop Champs 2006, will kick-start the evening.

"We want our first participants to show that there are ways to make a living out of what they are passionate about and are good at, and that the creative industries are a rich source of economic development for Manukau City," says Dr Hinemoa Elder, Chairperson of ART. The type of people the programme is looking for might be into music, fashion, architecture, visual art, graphic design, animation, film making, landscape design, dance or theatre or any other areas of the creative sector. "Most importantly, our participants will need ideas, talent and passion, and this can only come from inside themselves. People need to be picturing themselves on the road to success, have a vision for the future, and be ready to get going! We want to nurture and accelerate Manukau City's creative entrepreneurs," Dr Elder says. "We all know someone who seems to be bursting with ideas, but just doesn't know how to get started, or needs some help to take the next step with their creative projects or businesses.

These are the people that ART source wants to help." When: Thursday 10 May, 7pm Where: Otara Music Arts Centre (OMAC), Cnr Newbury Street and Bairds Road, Otara Town Centre, Manukau City. Phone: (09) 274-6400