A $20,000 grant from BayTrust will help Creative Bay of Plenty strengthen support for local artists and creative projects as Tauranga gears up for a busy season of public art, festivals and cultural events.

The grant will help cover operational costs for the arts advocacy organisation, which provides mentoring, funding advice, networking opportunities and professional support to creative practitioners throughout the region.

The funding comes as Tauranga prepares for a busy arts season, with the new city library now open, the Tauranga Arts Festival approaching, and several public art projects planned, including Christmas flags designed by Māori artists and a large-scale mural near the library.

Annie Hill, strategy and capability lead at Creative Bay of Plenty, said in a statement the grant was an endorsement of the value the arts sector brings to communities.

“BayTrust sees what we do and values it, and that’s a huge thing for our whole sector - that people value art,” she said.

Over the past two years, Creative Bay of Plenty has supported 64 public art and exhibition opportunities. A recent call for proposals for a mural opposite the Tauranga Library attracted 17 submissions, including entries from Australia and the United States.

The organisation has also helped identify five emerging Māori artists for Downtown Tauranga’s Christmas flags project and promoted opportunities for artists to contribute work to the city’s new library.

Hill said public art played an important role in making creative experiences accessible.

Harmonise, a large-scale mural by Sarah Cornish on the corner of Wharf St and Durham St that Creative BOP commissioned earlier this year.

“Not all people are comfortable going into an art gallery. Public art actually gives people a chance to engage with art in their own space, in the environment they’re in,” she said.

Beyond public projects, Creative Bay of Plenty offers one-on-one mentoring, subsidised workshops and networking events to help artists develop skills, build confidence and create new opportunities.

The organisation has faced financial challenges in recent years after Tauranga City Council funding was reduced by almost half since the 2021/22 financial year, prompting a restructure and renewed focus on priorities.

Despite the reductions, Hill said careful financial management had kept the organisation in a stable position.

“We’re just really grateful for this BayTrust grant and the ability it will give us to support the arts sector, artists and arts organisations,” she said.

Creative Connections Lunch at Flat White Cafe, Wāihi Beach.

BayTrust chief executive Alastair Rhodes said arts and culture were important contributors to connected and vibrant communities.

“They give people ways to express who they are, share their stories and feel a sense of belonging,” Rhodes said. “Funding Creative Bay of Plenty’s operational costs helps sustain the expertise and coordination behind its services.”

Rhodes said the organisation had adapted to a challenging funding environment while continuing to create opportunities for both artists and the wider community.