Local arts grants set to ignite Palmy’s young talent

Published on 23 December 2025

From hip hop battles on the world stage to kapa haka, Shakespeare and Pasifika storytelling closer to home, Palmerston North’s young performers are set for an exciting year ahead.

The Palmerston North Performing Arts Trust has announced the five successful recipients of this year’s Arts Heart Educational Development Project Scheme, supporting projects that help young people grow their skills, confidence and love of the performing arts.

Trust Chair Margaret May says the funding is all about giving rangatahi meaningful opportunities to dive into creativity and see where it can take them.

“These grants help local groups run workshops, masterclasses and intensive programmes where young people can really get stuck in.”

“They’re hands-on, inspiring experiences, and they all finish with public performances so participants can share what they’ve learned with their whānau and community.”

This year’s funded projects showcase the diversity and talent of Palmerston North’s arts scene:

• Anomaly Dance Trust took local hip hop dancers to the international stage, competing at the Hip Hop International Championship in Arizona, USA.
• Manawatū Summer Shakespeare will focus on mentoring and upskilling performers ahead of its 2026 production of The Tragedy of Macbeth.
• Sheridan Hickey will deliver ‘Primarily Playing with Shakespeare’ in 2026, helping young emerging performers build creativity and core skills while exploring Shakespeare in a fun, supportive way.
• Te Whirikōkō o Rangitāne will teach the art of kapa haka, preparing young performers for the Tangata Rau Festival regional kapa haka competition in 2026.
• Centrepoint Theatre will run workshops and masterclasses for ‘Pigs on the Run’ next year - a playful, powerful reimagining of a classic story that celebrates the incredible Pasifika talent in the Manawatū and puts young voices front and centre.

Mrs May says the Trust is proud to support projects that go beyond performance, helping young people build confidence, connection and a sense of possibility.

“It’s about backing our young people, supporting our arts community, and making sure Palmerston North continues to be a place where creativity thrives.”