This Wednesday, 31 August, a special hui is to be held at Square Edge in Palmerston North, offering assistance in applying for this year’s grants from the Earle Creativity and Development Trust. From 3-5pm in the FX Theatre, the Trust committee for Visual Arts will be there to put a friendly face to the process.   

The Trust was established by Richard and Mary Earle to help fund local projects within the arts and technical sciences. This year a funding pool of $50,000 is available for each of two areas: visual arts and science & technology. 

“It’s definitely a good thing and I think more people should apply for it,” says past grant recipient Kirsty Porter. “It’s for people in Manawatū and Rangitīkei; there aren’t many grants that are just for people in this area.” 

Kirsty is a painter with twenty years of experience. Over this time she’s developed her own visual language, yet still wanted to push her creative boundaries and do something different. Her successful grant application gave her the space to do this, she says. 

“I could spend some time in my studio developing a body of work, time I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I don’t get that opportunity very much. I also had to have an exhibition, so it was a push to finish something! It gave me a purpose. It’s a huge boost to your confidence, too, because it’s concrete evidence that your work has value.” 

If you’ve got an idea that you think could make a difference, go for it! Come along to Wednesday’s hui and discover how easy it is. The application itself is made through the Public Trust website. You can can also learn about successful past applicants and their projects. 

• Wednesday 31 August; 3-5pm – Earle Creativity and Development Trust drop-in application support session at FX Theatre, Square Edge, Palmerston North. 
• Grant applications close 7 September (not 1 September as listed on the Public Trust website)

Kirsty Porter, Self Portrait