The newly-formed Central Otago Arts Trust has $35,000 to make a start on a blank canvas.
The group was set up to implement the district's arts strategy and this week the Central Otago District Council agreed to provide $35,000 funding for the group.
Trust secretary Alan Janman said the implementation of the strategy was likely to take place over five years, depending on funding.
The appointment of an arts co-ordinator was pivotal.
Initially the job would be a part-time role and it would be reviewed annually.
Creating a website which included a register of artists, arts facilities and resources, and a calendar of events, was also important.
Some of this information could be used in newsletters and could provide information to regional network groups.
"We'd like to know the ongoing commitment of the council in terms of funding," Mr Janman told the council.
The trust would also seek other avenues of funding and the arts co-ordinator role could be expanded into a full-time one if further funding was available.
It would cost about $31,500 for its first year of operation.
That figure covered the wages for an arts co-ordinator position, the purchase of a computer, establishing a website, administration costs and travel and conference costs.
"This year we want the building blocks in place to put the arts strategy in place.
There's a lot of planning to do," Mr Janman said.
