Spark Arena Community Fund Expands to Support Auckland’s All-Ages Venues

The Spark Arena Community Events Fund (SACEF) has today announced a second round of funding, committing a further $60,000 to enhance artists’ experiences in venues across Auckland that provide all-ages live music and community performance spaces.

Building on the success of its inaugural round – which directed $100,000 in artist equipment support to five Auckland CBD venues – this second round turns its focus to all-ages venues serving young Aucklanders and their communities.

The beneficiaries of this round are Big Fan in Morningside, Shore Junction in Takapuna, and Zeal in Henderson. The funding will go towards professional equipment, studio and performance infrastructure, and programme delivery at each venue, helping them expand access for young people to create, rehearse, perform and build skills in live music and creative production.

Guy Ngata, SVP, Live Nation New Zealand, said:

“All-ages venues occupy a unique and vital space – they are where young people first encounter live music, first step on a stage, and first feel part of a creative community. Backing these spaces is a long-term investment in the future of live entertainment in Aotearoa.”

The Spark Arena Community Fund Committee said:

“All-ages venues are essential infrastructure for a healthy creative city. They remove barriers, build confidence and create belonging for young people who might not otherwise have access to live performance. This funding reflects the Fund’s commitment to strengthening every part of Auckland’s live music ecosystem – from grassroots stages to global tours.”

Savina Fountain, CEO, Big Fan Charitable Trust said:

“We want young people to have opportunities to experience, create and participate in music, whether that’s in the studios, on stage, behind the scenes or in the audience. Having professional spaces that are accessible to all ages gives rangatahi the chance to build their skills, make connections and see a place for themselves in the industry. This support from the Spark Arena Community Fund allows us to keep investing in the equipment and infrastructure that makes those opportunities possible, and we’re grateful to see investment in spaces that are helping grow the next generation of music people.”

Chris Winder, Auckland Regional Manager, Zeal Youth Trust Aotearoa, said:

“We know the artists who will one day perform on Auckland’s biggest stages have to start somewhere. For hundreds of rangatahi, Zeal is a place where they can pick up a microphone, write and record their first song, perform in front of a crowd and start to see themselves as artists. This support from the Spark Arena Community Fund means we can put professional-quality equipment in their hands and give young artists the tools, spaces and opportunities to take that next step. We’re incredibly grateful for an investment that will benefit the next generation of Auckland artists for years to come.”

Conin Bowker, Youth Development Manager, Shore Junction said:

“Our young people deserve, and need, opportunities to discover and be their authentic selves. For rangatahi to feel valued, respected and celebrated means meeting them where they are at. It means recognising their strengths and giving them space to express their interests, ideas and creativity, develop new skills, and learn through doing.

“The opportunity to receive support from the Spark Arena Community Fund enables us to deepen our contribution to the development of young people in Aotearoa. It will help us create meaningful moments for rangatahi to build confidence, capability and connection in ways that extend beyond their time at Shore Junction and into their lives beyond our doors.”

Previous beneficiaries of the Spark Arena Community Fund include Whammy Bar, The Classic Comedy Club, The Mothership, and Ding Dong Lounge, as well as Tuning Fork events including Sounds Fun for Kids, Emerging Artists at Tuning Fork, Tāmaki Makaurau Senior Regional Kapa Haka Competition and Mana Moana.

Photo Credit: Tom Grut