Whakatane District Council is calling all project leaders and enthusiasts wanting to increase participation and the range and diversity of arts available in the community.

Those who fit the criteria could qualify for funding in the current round of Whakatane District Creative Communities Scheme grants and have until May 11 to apply.

Chair of the Assessment Committee, Kay Boreham, is encouraging anyone considering a project to get in touch.

'There is around $28,000 provided through the local Creative Communities Scheme each year, with applications open in April/May and November/December.

'The amount available this round is $15,000. The fund is provided on a per-capita basis by Creative New Zealand and administered by the Whakatane District Council. Applications are assessed by a committee of community representatives and two Council elected members,” she says. 'There are three categories in the scheme.”

'Participation, which covers projects that will create opportunities for local communities to engage with and participate in the arts; diversity, for projects that will support the diverse arts and cultural traditions of local communities; and a category for projects that will enable and encourage young people under 18 years of age to engage with and actively participate in the arts.”

Examples of initiatives that have been supported in the past, an application guide and the application form are all available on the Whakatane District Council's website.

Anyone who wants to apply can contact Council's Community Administration Officer, Janie Storey, on 306 0530, for further information.