Applications for the 2009 New Zealand Mental Health Media Grants open Monday 2 March
MEDIA RELEASE
2 March 2009
From Monday 2 March, the New Zealand Mental Health Media Grants are seeking proposals for journalism and creative projects that inform the public about mental health issues and experiences.
Now in it's third year, a grant of up to $12,000 is available to applicants who have a project that can help reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.
Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation (who administer the grants) says, "Having time to investigate and fully explore an idea is just one of the opportunities that a New Zealand Mental Health Media Grant provides recipients.
"Another is sharing the completed project, that has evolved from the idea, with the wider community."
Ms Clements believes the projects completed by the Grants first recipients (in 2007) have set a high standard.
"Halina Ogonowska-Coates's interview transcripts and radio documentary are valuable sources of information and we're thrilled that Jessica Le Bas's poetry collection was recently accepted for publication by the Auckland University Press. Debbie Hager's DVD training resource has been very well received and Jo Randerson's exhibition reached hundreds of people during its four months at TheNewDowse gallery in Wellington."
She says they are looking forward to seeing the finished projects from the 2008 recipients and proposed projects in the 2009 applications.
Darryl Bishop, Programme Manager for the Like Minds, Like Mine programme (who fund the grants) says, "We encourage all journalists, creative professionals or any other groups and individuals, who have a project idea with a mental health focus, to apply for a 2009 grant.
"Receiving a grant allows recipients to work through ideas around mental health issues, and to shift people's thinking about mental illness - helping to break down the barriers of stigma and discrimination."
Inaugural applications were received in 2007 and over the past 2 years the Media Grants have attracted 23 journalism applications and 77 creative applications - 2 journalism projects and 7 creative projects have received a grant.
Last year, 5 recipients were chosen: Amanda Cropp (journalism, Christchurch), Jennifer Shelton (creative, Wellington), Kristian Lomath (creative, Rotorua), Karlo Mila (creative, Palmerston North) and The Silk Tent Company (creative, Wanaka).
Applications for 2009 proposals open on 2 March and close 29 May 2009.
Go to the Media Grants website for details on how to apply, or to download a 2009 application pack.
For more information or images:
Contact Paula Taylor, ph: (09) 300 7025 mob: 021 300 594, email: paula "at" mentalhealth.org.nz
OR Cate Hennessy, ph: (09) 636 5624 Mob: 021 687 426, email: cate "at" onceuponatime.co.nz
