Anyone hoping for funding from New Zealand Lotteries to put on a
festival event during next year's Rugby World Cup has just two
weeks left to apply.
Last month the Government announced the NZD9.5
million New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund for community
events to be held as part of a nationwide festival in the lead-up
to and during Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011. The closing date for
applications is 17 September, 2010.
Festival Director Briony Ellis says this is a chance for people
to be part of the biggest festival New Zealand has ever put on and
she's hoping to see applications for a wide range of events from a
wide range of communities.
"This is a great opportunity for Kiwis from all walks of life to
be a part of what will be a milestone event for New Zealand.
"The nationwide festival will showcase New Zealand's arts and
culture, food and wine, heritage, entertainment, experiences and
lifestyle. With an estimated 85,000 visitors coming into the
country during the six weeks of Rugby World Cup, we're encouraging
New Zealanders to tell the world what they love most about living
here."
Twenty-three centres will host games or teams during RWC 2011,
but the festival will touch every part of the country. With plenty
of time between matches, visitors are being encouraged to 'take the
long way round' and experience as much as possible during their
stay.
Individuals and groups can apply to the NZ 2011 Festival Lottery
Fund Committee until the closing date of 17 September 2010 by going
to www.dia.govt.nz for information and an
application form.
Find out more about the nationwide festival at www.nz2011.govt.nz