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Home News Ministers' releases Another round of support for our public arts and heritage spaces

Another round of support for our public arts and heritage spaces

Ministers’ release: 1 June 2023

Round 8 of the Regional Culture and Heritage Fund (RCHF) has opened for applications, and will close at 5pm on Friday 30 June 2023, Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Willow-Jean Prime announced today.

“I’m pleased to announce the opening of this latest round of the Regional Culture and Heritage Fund so that it can continue to empower projects involving cultural and heritage entities important to our local communities,” said Hon Willow-Jean Prime.

“Subject to the calibre of applications, up to $13 million is available to support construction projects at public performing arts venues, galleries, museums, whare taonga, and heritage properties housing important collections.

“The Fund’s role is to help communities address genuine fundraising shortfalls, for construction projects that are otherwise ready to get started.

“To be eligible, these projects will improve existing buildings, or provide new ones for the care of, and access to, high quality regional arts, culture and heritage experiences. It’s also desirable when an institution’s climate future is factored into these projects – to enhance energy and water efficiency efforts, and minimise waste.

“While this Fund does give priority to projects outside of the main centres of Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, applications from within these main centres will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

“The breadth and diversity of needs between the regions are very much reflected in previously funded and completed projects. Past recipient projects include Rakiura Museum Te Puka o Te Waka on Rakiura/Stewart Island, performing arts centres in Nelson and Blenheim, a museum collection storage facility in Whakatāne, and a whare taonga resource and archive centre in Hokianga.

“A flourishing arts, culture, and heritage sector is key to supporting the wellbeing of our communities. To ensure our regions are readily able to access these experiences, they need fit-for-purpose facilities,” said Hon Willow-Jean Prime.

You can apply or read more about the RCHF on the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage's website.

Updated on 30th June 2023