Funding for groups in Kapiti during the first 3 months of 2016 had a strong theme of arts and culture, including Kapiti Chorale, Zeal Education and the Otaki Promotions Group for their Kite Festival.

‘One of our four goals in funding projects across our region is to support arts and cultural activity throughout our communities,’ comments Mark Cassidy, Chief Executive. ‘And this has been a strong theme with our recent funding on the Kapiti Coast.’

Kapiti Chorale première

Composer, Bob Hanson

The Kapiti Chorale has been giving concerts for more than 30 years and attracts members from all over the area. Wellington Community Trust has given $3,000 towards their 2016 concert programmes.

Their first concert for 2016 on 1 May features a southern hemisphere première of the epic oratorio Hiawatha by American composer, Robert Hanson (left). Mr Hanson is coming to New Zealand for the performance.

Kapiti Chorale’s last concert in November 2015 – a joint presentation with Kapiti Chamber Choir and an orchestral ensemble, conducted by Eric Sidoti

Music classes in a container

Much newer is Zeal Education’s Music Development Box, a pop-up music studio in a container offering holiday music programmes and mentoring around the Kapiti Coast. Brook Turner from Zeal comments, ‘The music box is designed to build musical confidence and competency through community based projects. Getting our initial funding from Wellington Community Trust has been a huge help and we’ll be able to get the project up and running sooner than we planned.’

Still in the design and fundraising phase, the Zeal Music Development Box will open later in the year so young people can start exploring their musical talents.

Designs for the Zeal Music Development Box

The art of flying a kite

In early March, Wellington Community Trust also supported the fourth annual Otaki Kite Festival, a fun day out where around 12,000 people from all over the Wellington region get to experience the artistry and inspiration of kite-flying.

Enjoying a day at the beach at the Otaki Kite Festival

In the first three months of 2016, more than 30 groups have received funding amounting to almost $300,000 from the Wellington Community Trust.