An organisation formed to help foster the arts in Clutha will fold early next year because other groups have assumed its role and are organising events.
The Clutha District Community Arts Council plans to use its remaining money ($1000) for one last scholarship to help a Clutha student with study costs in 2009.
Secretary Don Waugh said the demise of the council was "natural attrition", but also a good sign that arts-related groups were arranging events.
The council was formed in November 1976 with the backing of the then Balclutha Borough Council, and organised visits by ballet and theatrical groups and musicians.
It also ran a successful arts festival for many years but its membership has dwindled in recent years. There are now just seven members, and the council has no financial base except when it secures sponsorship to offer scholarships or to stage performances.
Mr Waugh said the council regularly secured money from Creative New Zealand for an annual $2000 scholarship fund, but the Clutha District Council's creative communities committee stopped that support two years ago.
It decided to use its remaining money for one last scholarship before formally ceasing to exist.
Students wanting to apply must have completed their secondary schooling in Clutha district and be planning to begin or continue a full-time course in art or culture-related courses.
Applications close on January 30.
