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Open Call: Funding for Local Arts Projects to Engage the Waitaki Community (New Zealand)

Deadline: 19-Mar-2026

The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) by the Waitaki District Council supports arts projects that increase local participation, celebrate cultural diversity, and engage young people under 18. There is no fixed maximum grant amount, but most awards range between NZD 500 and NZD 2,500, with many under NZD 2,000. Projects must take place in the Waitaki District, have a clear arts focus, and be completed within 12 months of funding approval.

What Is the Creative Communities Scheme?

The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) is a local arts funding programme administered by the Waitaki District Council to support community-based arts initiatives in the Waitaki District, New Zealand.

The scheme is designed to:

  • Increase access and participation in the arts

  • Support diverse artistic and cultural traditions

  • Enable young people under 18 to engage in arts activities

CCS funding helps communities create, share, and experience arts and culture at the local level.

Core Funding Priorities

All projects must align with at least one of the following focus areas:

1. Access and Participation in the Arts

Projects that enable more people to engage with artistic activities locally.

Examples:

2. Diversity of Artistic and Cultural Traditions

Projects that celebrate and support diverse communities.

Examples:

  • Māori arts initiatives

  • Pasifika arts practices

  • Migrant and multicultural art projects

  • Disability-led creative programmes

3. Young People (Under 18)

Projects that actively involve young people in creating or presenting art.

Young people must:

  • Create art

  • Perform or present art

  • Participate in structured arts learning

Passive attendance alone is not sufficient.

How Much Funding Is Available?

There is no fixed maximum funding cap.

However:

  • Most grants are under NZD 2,000

  • Common range: NZD 500–NZD 2,500

  • Some councils have approved higher amounts (around NZD 4,000–5,000) depending on local priorities

Applicants should request only what is necessary for their project.

What Costs Are Eligible?

CCS funding may cover:

  • Materials and art supplies

  • Short-term personnel costs

  • Administration related to the project

  • Venue hire

  • Equipment hire (temporary use)

  • Promotion and publicity

Funding must directly relate to the arts-focused project.

What Is Not Funded?

The scheme does not support:

  • Projects without a clear arts focus

  • Fundraising activities

  • Facility development or building projects

  • Permanent equipment purchases

  • Ongoing operational costs

  • Projects already started or completed

  • Projects primarily serving other sectors

  • Projects already funded by other Creative New Zealand programmes

Strict compliance with these exclusions is required.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants may be:

  • Individuals

  • Groups

  • Community organisations

Requirements:

  • Must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents (for individuals)

  • Project must take place within the Waitaki District

  • Project must benefit the local community

  • Project must be completed within 12 months of funding approval

  • Project must not have started or finished before approval

If you previously received CCS funding:

  • A project report must be completed (unless the project is still in progress)

Examples of Eligible Projects

  • Artist residencies

  • Community-created murals

  • Cultural festivals

  • Theatre or dance performances

  • Creative writing workshops

  • School-based arts collaborations

  • Public art installations

Projects must clearly demonstrate community benefit and arts engagement.

How Applications Are Assessed

Applications are reviewed by a local committee with knowledge of:

  • Arts practice

  • Community context

  • Cultural diversity

Assessment criteria typically include:

  • Alignment with a funding priority

  • Community benefit

  • Feasibility and planning

  • Budget realism

  • Participant involvement

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your project:

  • Has a clear arts focus

  • Has not started

  • Will be completed within 12 months

Step 2: Identify Your Primary Funding Criterion

Choose which focus area your project aligns with most strongly.

Step 3: Prepare Project Details

Clearly outline:

  • Project timeline

  • Participant numbers

  • Artform

  • Activity type

  • Expected community outcomes

Step 4: Prepare a Realistic Budget

Include only eligible project-related expenses.

Step 5: Attach Supporting Material

Include relevant documentation such as:

  • Artist CVs

  • Concept sketches

  • Letters of support

Step 6: Submit Complete Application

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Multiple funding rounds may be available throughout the year.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying after the project has started

  • Requesting funding for non-arts activities

  • Including ineligible costs like equipment purchase

  • Submitting without clearly identifying the primary funding criterion

  • Forgetting to submit a required report from previous CCS funding

Careful preparation increases the likelihood of success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is there a maximum grant amount?

No fixed cap exists, but most grants are under NZD 2,000.

2. Can individuals apply?

Yes, if they are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

3. Can I apply if my project has already started?

No. Projects must not begin before funding approval.

4. Can I buy equipment with the grant?

No. Equipment purchases are not eligible.

5. How long do I have to complete the project?

Projects must be completed within 12 months of approval.

6. Can I apply if I previously received CCS funding?

Yes, provided you have submitted the required project report.

7. Can schools apply?

Only if the project has a clear arts focus and meets all criteria. It must not duplicate funding from other Creative New Zealand programmes.

Key Takeaway

The Waitaki District Council Creative Communities Scheme supports community-based arts projects that increase participation, celebrate cultural diversity, and engage young people. With flexible funding amounts and multiple rounds per year, CCS offers valuable support for local creative initiatives.

Applicants should ensure strong alignment with the scheme’s focus areas, prepare a realistic budget, and submit a complete application before starting their project.

For more information, visit Waitaki District Council.