Creative New Zealand has recently reported that the country's contemporary dance sector is brimming with thanks for its increase in funding for choreographers and dance companies, as well as heightened international opportunities for the industry. The growing contemporary dance sector is reflected in Creative NZ’s recent project funding round, with a number of dance companies and choreographers offered funding. Over the past two years, Creative NZ has made a significant investment (an additional $663,000 through the Government’s Cultural Recovery Package funding) in contemporary dance through special initiatives and its funding programs. 'It’s great to see individuals and companies initiating a range of innovative projects and building audience’s for their work,' says Creative NZ Chairman, Elizabeth Kerr of this year’s recipients. Among the recipients was the MAU of Point Chevalier, who received $85,000 towards the development of an Auckland premiere in 2003 of a new work entitled Paradise. This follows on from successful seasons at the Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Noumea in 2001 and the 2002 Adelaide Arts Festival. A grant of $20,000 was awarded to Spacific Films of Auckland towards the production of a 70-minute documentary about the life and work of Douglas Wright, a leading figure in New Zealand contemporary dance. Further information on the latest grant round is available online at;www.creativenz.govt.nz