Creative New Zealand has announced it will administer a new foundation to support the professional development of New Zealand composers. The Edwin Carr Foundation will offer a variety of annual scholarships to New Zealand composers to assist career development needs and boost professional opportunities. Carr, who died in 2003, was one of New Zealand’s most significant composers. Equally renowned as teacher, conductor and musician, his compositions included commissions for the New Zealand Broadcasting Orchestra, the New Zealand Chamber Music Federation, the New Zealand Embassy in Bonn, Musica Viva, Radio New Zealand and the Australia Council for the Arts. The Foundation, launched in Auckland this morning by the Associate Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Hon Judith Tizard, has two objectives – to commemorate Carr’s achievements and to financially assist the next generation of New Zealand composing talent. Chief Executive of Creative New Zealand Elizabeth Kerr said Creative New Zealand is honoured to be able to administer the Foundation. ‘We’re committed to strengthening New Zealand’s arts sector and one way of doing this is by providing professional development opportunities for the art sector,’ she said. ’This is the first time funding dedicated to the professional development of composers has been made available. Composers of any age and at any stage of their careers may apply.’ For more information, CLICK HERE.