Providing immediate support to grassroots artists and creatives in Hawke’s Bay to get back on their feet.

“Tutira Mai Nga Iwi. Tatou tatou e" "Let’s stand together. As one”

Our once vibrant arts culture and creative sectors have been severely impacted by the Cyclone. The arts are the lifeblood of our regional wellbeing. If the arts is well our communities can heal and get strong again too.

Many of our creatives have lost everything – their livelihoods and homes, artworks, critical materials, & tools of their trade. Although there is an amazing amount of support coming into the region through other funding streams, it will be some time before this can trickle down to the grassroots. This funding will provide immediate support to help artists & creatives to rebuild their lives and livelihoods through targeted funding. They need access now to vital materials & tools of the trade; many need to relocate & virtually start again. This funding will help support essential to restore mana, connections, and wellbeing across the community.

All forms of art and creativity are the best therapy not only for creatives but also for causing a ripple therapeutic effect across whānau and the wider community. This will be particularly important to help people navigate the challenges and setbacks they may experience over the coming days, weeks, and months.

“He rourou ma koutou, he rourou mā mātou, ka ora te manuhiri”

“With your help and our help we can build a new tomorrow for everyone”

Kete owned by Creative Arts Napier

Attributed to the late Lee Olsen

Heart from ‘Journeys of the Heart’ by @rusteddragonfly