Ara Foundation - 610

Ara Foundation Media Release

The Ara Foundation has been supplying grants to students and tutors for over 30 years and is now looking to further increase the number and diversity of applications.  

The Ara Foundation, based on the Madras Street Ara campus in Christchurch, has begun its campaign to help more people with interesting and worthwhile experiences. Members of Ara are being implored by the Foundation to apply for money that can help with school projects, merchandise and anything in between.  

Ara Foundation's goal is to mentor, support and offer real-world opportunities to students and academics so that they maximise their life experiences. 

Examples of recent successful grants: 

• A $7500 grant, to the 2021 ‘Curate Me’ exhibition run by Julie Humby and Alan Hoskin. 
• A $10,000 grant to the Conscious Club to hold a pop-up shop for students from the Ara Fashion and Art Departments to showcase their talent and work. 
• A $2000 grant to finance assistance from producers and purchase song recording equipment. 

“The big message to everybody listening is we've got these amazing grants available and why not apply because it's actually not difficult, we'd love to hear from you, and we'd really like to help.” said Ara Foundation chair Anne-Marie Mora. 

The Ara Foundation has three application periods per year, one at the start, middle and end of each year. All that is needed to apply is an idea, a short letter and a recommendation from an Ara tutor.  

About the Ara Foundation 

Ara Foundation was established as an independent charitable trust in 1984 with the aim of promoting and supporting the applied vocational, educational and research activities of Ara Institute of Canterbury. In this time, our commitment to working with Ara students and staff has seen hundreds of thousands in grants awarded and hundreds of Ara projects supported. The Foundation is governed by a board of Trustees, who are drawn from the business and education sectors in Canterbury. 

For more information head to http://arafoundation.co.nz/  

One to follow up to check progress:  

James Lobban is an engineering student at the Ara Institute of Canterbury. James and his fellow students are currently in the process of creating Ara’s first 3D printer farm. Students are learning how to build 3D printers, with 3D printers. This exciting project, which is completely student led, will continue to grow and evolve in years to come. Each of the students involved will take home their own printer which can be used well into the future.   

David Ewing and James applied for a grant which allowed him and his team to begin constructing and purchasing the parts needed to create the farm.  

James hopes that this ‘launching platform’ will influence future students.  

“Ideally in the future we'll have all the students that are currently involved, and they can sort of push out and teach other students how to apply for grants and how to do the project management and hopefully we can get another print the printer project up and running for next year”. 

He and his team were grateful for what the Ara Foundation grant helped them achieve.   

“The grant has made the difference between us doing this project and not”. 

His message to anyone looking to apply for a grant is “that the process is really simple; the money is just sitting there so why not?   

Beyond the Ara Foundation’s contribution, this is an ever-evolving project and story which showcases Ara student's ingenuity and creativity - serving as inspiration and interest to Waha Kōrero readers. 

Reach James Lobban at jgl0053@arastudent.ac.nz 

3D printer profile (Ara Foundation website)

James Lobban is an engineering student at the Ara Institute of Canterbury. James and his fellow students are currently in the process of creating a 3D printer farm at Ara which can be used well into the future.  

The students were supplied a reference machine from a sponsoring company and after planning and costing, James applied for a grant which allowed him and his team to begin constructing and purchasing the parts needed to create the farm. 

“Once the grant was approved, we got the money and then all that could be put into place, and we could actually start building the printers.” 

 A 3D printer farm is a group of 3D printers that run simultaneously and as continuously as possible, to increase production rates of printed parts. Printers creating printers. 

James said that their goal is to expand the capabilities of 3D printing at Ara so that students and tutors can implement it into their studies and help them later down the line.  

The grant has already provided many benefits to the team. 

“We all get a printer in the end, and we also get a lot of skills that we have learned from being involved in the project.” 

The project is an important one for the engineering department. James added that the learning aspect is crucial for them as they want to be able to design something, get a model, and get some iterations of it so that in the future they can improve on it. 

James hopes that this ‘launching platform’ will influence future students. 

“Ideally in the future we'll have all the students that are currently involved, and they can sort of push out and teach other students how to apply for grants and how to do the project management and hopefully we can get another print the printer project up and running for next year”. 

He and his team were grateful for what the Ara Foundation grant helped them achieve.  

“The grant has made the difference between us doing this project and not. The process was really easy, we were able to write a 600-letter grant request and then we got a letter of recommendation to support that and then it was just a waiting game and for us fortunately it was approved and you know here we are now with all the printers yeah couldn’t’ve worked out better”.  

His message to anyone looking to apply for a grant is “that the process is really simple; the money is just sitting there so why not?  
 

NASDA profile (Ara Foundation website)

Toby Lee and Mattew Hatten are in their final year of study at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts (NASDA) within the Ara Institute of Canterbury. The two are currently working on and performing in their show ‘Glory Days’ which they are playing in towns around the South Island.  

For their Capstone (final) Project, they took on a large task that needed financial assistance as the costs continued to rise. 

Toby then applied for a grant with the Ara Foundation and they were given $6000 to help get their project across the line.  

“We had to hire musicians to record the backing tracks, we had to hire studios to record the backing tracks and that alone is about $3500, so the Ara Foundation grant covered that in its entirety which was fantastic,” said Toby.  

The pair were relieved when they found out their application had been granted.  

Toby said that he was stoked to receive the funding as it was a huge weight off his shoulders because up until that point, he was funding the project himself. 

He expressed how easy he found the application process. 

“It was quite simple really, I already had to write a proposal for NASDA to accept the project for so I kind of re-shuffled that and then pitched it to them; and yeah, it was received quite well”. 

Part of their giving back to Ara was running workshops in schools around Ashburton where they hoped to show young people that coming to NASDA and Ara to study performing arts was a viable career path.  

“We had the opportunity to go and work with the schools which advertised Ara and NASDA, as well as us from an educational point, learning how to do these things”.  

For Toby personally, he found the experience opened his eyes to roles and opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible.   

“It was a great way to learn about the industry that we're about to graduate into and being in the industry whilst still having the safety net of NASDA and Ara to fall back on.” 

‘Glory Days’ follows four high school friends who disband as they move to college. A year later they reunite and find that each of them has changed and grown up. It highlights how these young people deal with their new differences and the tension that has grown between them. Toby is the director and producer of the show whilst Matt stars as one of the actors. 

Mass email

Kia ora students of _____

The Ara Foundation has a once in a lifetime opportunity for Ara staff and students to help realise your dreams. 

The Ara Foundation, based on the Madras Street Ara campus in Christchurch, has begun its campaign to help more people with interesting and worthwhile experiences. Members of Ara are being implored by the Foundation to apply for money that can help with school projects, artistic endeavours, merchandise and anything in between.  

If you have a big idea that’s needs some financial backing, then the Ara Foundation is here to help with grants of up to $50,000! 

Ara Foundation's goal is to mentor, support and offer real-world opportunities to students and academics so that they maximise their life experiences. 

Examples of recent successful grants: 

• A $7500 grant, to the 2021 ‘Curate Me’ exhibition run by Julie Humby and Alan Hoskin. 
• A $10,000 grant to the Conscious Club to hold a pop-up shop for students from the Ara Fashion and Art Departments to showcase their talent and work. 
• A $2000 grant to finance assistance from producers and purchase song recording equipment. 

“The big message to everybody listening is we've got these amazing grants available and why not apply because it's actually not difficult, we'd love to hear from you, and we'd really like to help.” - Ara Foundation chair Anne-Marie Mora.  

 The Ara Foundation has three application periods per year, one at the start, middle and end of each year. All that is needed to apply is an idea, a short letter and a recommendation from an Ara tutor (students) or Darren Mitchell (tutors).   

So, if a bit of free money piques your interest, head over to https://arafoundation.co.nz to apply! 

Check out one of Ara Foundations past recipients in the video below! 

Ara Foundation | Mini-Doco | Rapper T 

 “The Ara Foundation helped me with creating a reality for my dreams!” - Tyrone Foster, past recipient. 

About the Ara Foundation  

Ara Foundation was established as an independent charitable trust in 1984 with the aim of promoting and supporting the applied vocational, educational and research activities of Ara Institute of Canterbury. In this time, our commitment to working with Ara students and staff has seen hundreds of thousands in grants awarded and hundreds of Ara projects supported. The Foundation is governed by a board of Trustees, who are drawn from the business and education sectors in Canterbury. 

Head to https://arafoundation.co.nz !! 

Push to promote the Ara Foundation (for Waituhi)

The Ara Foundation is a golden opportunity for both staff and students. Perhaps you have heard of it already, but many students have not.   

This valuable grant scheme has been supplying grants to students and tutors for over 30 years. The Foundation is looking to further increase the number and diversity of applications, so more staff and students can embrace the challenge of taking their education those few steps further. 

The Ara Foundation, based on the Madras Street Ara campus in Christchurch, has begun its campaign to help more people with interesting and worthwhile experiences. Members of Ara are being implored by the Foundation to apply for money that can help with school projects, merchandise and anything in between.  

Ara Foundation's goal is to mentor, support and offer real-world opportunities to students and academics so that they maximise their life experiences.  

This opportunity benefits both Ara tutors and students. The grants that Ara Foundation supply can help financially in many avenues. If there are relevant teaching conferences, seminars, or workshops where financial support is required to attend, then the Foundation is here to help.  

Director Southern Campuses Leonie Rasmussen, believes that for all these reasons, those at Ara should invest some time into exploring how this program could benefit them. 

“I think it’s a real unique opportunity that our colleagues and our learners have access to. They really could through those grants further their own studies or their careers.” 

Rasmussen says the more awareness that is raised, means more opportunities for those staff and students who study at the smaller campuses. 

“I recently had been in contact with the foundation and was having a look at some of the things they’d done recently and thought actually, this would be a really great opportunity for our learners and colleagues who do live here in Oamaru through to Ashburton, who are probably not aware of the foundation... so wouldn’t it be great to be able to promote the grants that people can access.” 

She says she encourages tutors, from every field, to go to the Ara Foundation website and take some time to think about how the scheme could be worked to benefit them and their students. 

This is something the Foundation is also trying to promote. Tutors are encouraged to motivate students to apply for grants. Students can use the money for school projects, merchandise, academic opportunities and anything in between.  

Examples of recent successful grants: 

• A $7500 grant, to the 2021 ‘Curate Me’ exhibition run by Julie Humby and Alan Hoskin. 
• A $10,000 grant to the Conscious Club to hold a pop-up shop for students from the Ara Fashion and Art Departments to showcase their talent and work. 

• A $2000 grant to finance assistance from producers and purchase song recording equipment. 

The Ara Foundation has three application periods per year, one at the start, middle and end of each year. All that is needed to apply is an idea, a short letter and a recommendation from an Ara tutor (students) or Darren Mitchell (tutors).  

So if you are looking to further your own career, or the studies and careers of your students, go to http://arafoundation.co.nz/ and apply. Applications are easy, and the funds are there for you – so why not? 

Social Media Captions

Social Squares: 

Jahan Miller - PISA  

Introducing Jahan Miller, executive of Pacific Island Students of Ara.  

See yourself in this Ara Foundation Grant Recipient? Make sure to take your ideas/projects/ambitions over to arafoundation.co.nz to find out more information because ‘Why Not?’ 

James Lobban - 3D Printers  

Introducing James Lobban, Media Manager of the on-campus 3D Printing Farm. 

See yourself in this Ara Foundation Grant Recipient? Make sure to take your ideas/projects/ambitions over to arafoundation.co.nz to find out more information because ‘Why Not?’ 

Anne McMahon 

Introducing Anne McMahon, Kids Singer and Song writer at Angelfish. 

See yourself in this Ara Foundation Grant Recipient? Make sure to take your ideas/projects/ambitions over to arafoundation.co.nz to find out more information because ‘Why Not?’ 

Tyrone Foster  

Introducing Tyrone Foster, Content Creator and Rapper. 

See yourself in this Ara Foundation Grant Recipient? Make sure to take your ideas/projects/ambitions over to arafoundation.co.nz to find out more information because ‘Why Not?’ 

Annemarie Mora  

Introducing Annemarie Mora, Chair of the Ara Foundation. 

See yourself in this Ara Foundation Grant Recipient? Make sure to take your ideas/projects/ambitions over to arafoundation.co.nz to find out more information because ‘Why Not?’ 

Conscious Club  

Introducing the Conscious Club – Second-hand clothing business. 

See yourself in this Ara Foundation Grant Recipient? Make sure to take your ideas/projects/ambitions over to arafoundation.co.nz to find out more information because ‘Why Not?’ 

How to Videos: 

Jahan Miller - PISA  

Introducing Jahan Miller, executive of Pacific Island Students of Ara.  

How Easy is that. Only 600 words or less and an Interview have to be completed before you can chase your ideas, projects and ambitions. To Apply now, head over to arafoundation.co.nz to find out more information... Why Not? 

James Lobban - 3D Printers  

Introducing James Lobban, Media Manager of the on-campus 3D Printing Farm. 

How Easy is that. Only 600 words or less and an Interview have to be completed before you can chase your ideas, projects and ambitions. To Apply now, head over to arafoundation.co.nz to find out more information... Why Not? 

Anne McMahon 

Introducing Anne McMahon, Kids Singer and Song writer at Angelfish Kids. 

How Easy is that. Only 600 words or less and an Interview have to be completed before you can chase your ideas, projects and ambitions. To Apply now, head over to arafoundation.co.nz to find out more information... Why Not? 

Tyrone Foster  

Introducing Tyrone Foster, Content Creator and Rapper. 

How Easy is that. Only 600 words or less and an Interview have to be completed before you can chase your ideas, projects and ambitions. To Apply now, head over to arafoundation.co.nz to find out more information... Why Not? 

Annemarie Mora  

Introducing Annemarie Mora, Chair of the Ara Foundation. 

How Easy is that. Only 600 words or less and an Interview have to be completed before you can chase your ideas, projects and ambitions. To Apply now, head over to arafoundation.co.nz to find out more information... Why Not? 

Conscious Club  

Introducing the Conscious Club – Second-hand clothing business. 

How Easy is that. Only 600 words or less and an Interview have to be completed before you can chase your ideas, projects and ambitions. To Apply now, head over to arafoundation.co.nz to find out more information... Why Not? 

Voxie Video: 
 

We went to students around the Ara Campus to see how many people know what the Ara Foundation is, and we were surprised to hear that not many of you knew about it! Many of you students had projects in mind, and nearly all of you could think of what you’d use some extra money for towards their studies. So... what are you waiting for? Why not? 

Behind the scenes content: 

Coming up next... keep an eye out for our next video! 

See yourself in this Ara Foundation Grant Recipient? Make sure to take your ideas/projects/ambitions over to arafoundation.co.nz to find out more information because ‘Why Not?’