Media release: 28 August 2020
The Museum Hardship Fund administered by Te Papa is accepting applications from today, welcoming cultural organisations across Aotearoa to apply for up to $25,000 per grant.
This funding will support the protection of collections, enable ongoing access to collections, protect jobs and contribute to the viability of the important institutions caring for taonga within New Zealand.
Announced earlier this year, this is part of a suite of new initiatives in the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Heritage funded Arts and Culture COVID Recovery programme.
Any non-profit, community-run or volunteer museum, whare taonga or gallery of small to medium size across the cultural sector is encouraged to apply. Whānau and hapū are also welcome to apply through their relevant iwi organisation.
Victoria Esson, Head of Sector Development | Pouwhakahaere for National Services Te Paerangi says this is an important opportunity to help some of the most at need cultural institutions in Aotearoa.
“The Museum Hardship Fund will help support the most vulnerable cultural organisations by providing the funds to contribute to the protection of collections and taonga and to continue essential, cultural engagement with communities across the country.”
Anna Butler, Deputy Chief Executive Policy and Sector Performance | Pou Mataaho o Te Aka, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Heritage says funding the arts and cultural sector is central to our recovery as a country from the impact of COVID-19.
“The cultural sector was amongst the worst hit by the global pandemic. We acknowledge the important role our museums and galleries play as kaitiaki of taonga and Aotearoa’s stories.
“This funding is one initiative as part of a wider landmark investment by the government to support the cultural sector and ensure it not only survives, but adapts and thrives into the future.”
Eligible organisations must be able to convey hardship as a result of the impact of COVID-19. This can be demonstrated through loss of income, diminished public programming, a subsequent decrease in levels of care for collections and a loss or potential loss of staff.
The Museum Hardship Fund will run for two years and will consist of a number of funding rounds within each financial year. The closing date for the first round of applications is 12pm, 25 September 2020.
Before applying, applicants must contact National Services Te Paerangi to discuss the proposed application.
How to apply for the Museum Hardship Fund
Please visit: https://tepapa.nz/MuseumHardshipFund
Updated on 25th September 2020