Helping people raise funds for art projects has always bought me great joy and pleasure. With my work at Giblin Group I have helped bring to life places like the Len Lye Gallery and the Sargeant Gallery in Whanganui.
These were big projects, but the methodology for raising capital and helping fund projects is the same no matter how big or small your ask is. It’s about having a clear plan and ensuring a diversified income stream, and that’s where Funding HQ can help. The platform is designed to help community groups to access the funding they’d need to make a real difference and help build vibrant communities.
Focusing on connection
Staying well and connected has become even more important. One way we do this in our communities is through the arts. Public art spaces, museums, galleries, and exhibitions help people have a sense of caring and belonging in their communities.
Communities will play a big part in our recovery from this pandemic. The arts will be an important lever to provide not only employment and economic growth but a sense of wellness and inclusion, bringing people of diverse backgrounds together to enjoy experiences and celebrate what makes our communities unique and different.
There’s been a fair amount of commentary around the powerful contribution the arts can make to our health and wellbeing. New Zealand is at the world’s leading-edge in the way it integrates ‘wellbeing’ as a priority for its work and funding strategy. When you think about what you do and what you want to achieve, it helps to think about how you contribute to wellbeing in your community. What are the benefits and outcomes you deliver to your community?
Ensuring a clear vision and plan
What is also clear is the need for community groups, artists and organisations to have a clear vision and plan. Whether it is for a new building, a creative design project or transforming cultural organisations into vital, cherished hubs you’ll need to know how to make a compelling case for investment focusing on what the outcomes will be for the community.
At Funding HQ we help you formulate a plan while looking also looking at the various funding streams that are available for your project. Here are a few things to consider:
- Will your project create opportunities for local communities to engage with, and participate in local arts activities?
- Will it support the artistic cultural traditions of local communities?
- Will it create jobs for people in your community?
- Will it help regenerate urban spaces?
- Will it add to or complement the distinctive natural environment and built character in the community?
- Will it attract people to the community?
If you feel your project answers some of the above questions have a look at Funding HQ and start building your compelling case for funding.