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Call for Entries: Creative Communities Scheme (New Zealand)

Deadline: 10-Jul-2026

The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) provides small grants to support inclusive, community-led arts and cultural projects across Tasman District, New Zealand. The scheme prioritizes projects that strengthen local creative engagement, reflect regional identity, and involve diverse age and cultural groups.

Priority funding areas (must meet at least one)

  • Access and Participation: Encourages broad community involvement in arts activities.

  • Diversity: Supports cultural expression for Māori, Pasifika, migrant, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities.

  • Young People: Enables under-18s to actively engage in creative arts projects.

Funding details

  • Typical grant size: most awards are under NZ$5,000.

  • Project timeline: must be completed within 12 months of funding approval.

  • Project location: must be delivered within the applicant’s local district.

  • Funding rounds: 3 rounds per year — closing dates:

    • 10 March

    • 10 July

    • 10 November

Who is eligible?

  • Individuals: Must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

  • Groups: Must be New Zealand-based groups or organizations.

  • Eligible applicant types: communities, arts groups, schools, NGOs, local clubs, cultural groups.

  • Restrictions:

    • Project must not have already started or finished at the time of application.

    • Applicants must not have outstanding reporting obligations from previous CCS-funded projects (unless the earlier project is still in progress).

What can be funded? (Eligible expenses)

  • Materials and consumables

  • Venue hire

  • Equipment hire

  • Artist fees and personnel costs

  • Promotion and marketing

  • Administrative costs directly related to the project

Sources of income (must be declared)

What is not eligible?

  • Projects that have already received funding from Creative New Zealand

  • Projects outside the district boundary

  • Projects already completed or started before application

  • Projects that do not meet one of the three priority areas

Semantic SEO terms

Creative Communities Scheme, Tasman District Council arts funding, community arts grants New Zealand, local arts projects funding, Māori arts funding, Pasifika arts projects, youth arts grants, disability arts funding, access and participation arts, NZ community culture grants.

How to apply — step-by-step

  1. Choose a funding round
    Apply in one of three rounds: March, July, or November.

  2. Confirm eligibility

    • Project within Tasman District boundaries.

    • Project not started or finished.

    • No outstanding CCS reporting unless project is ongoing.

    • If individual, confirm NZ citizenship or permanent residency.

  3. Design your project

    • Ensure it meets at least one priority area.

    • Plan activities, timeline, budget, and outcomes.

  4. Prepare financial details

    • Clearly state the amount you are requesting.

    • Provide full breakdown of project costs and all income sources.

  5. Gather supporting documents

    • Letters of support.

    • Artist profiles or CVs.

    • Venue confirmation.

    • Budget spreadsheet.

  6. Complete the application

    • Use the official CCS application form.

    • Clearly describe outputs and community benefit.

  7. Submit to Tasman District Council

    • Submit before the round closing date.

  8. Await assessment

    • Applications reviewed by a locally appointed assessment committee with arts and community experience.

  9. If funded

    • Deliver project within 12 months.

    • Submit accountability form and financial report after completion:

      • March round → report due 30 November

      • July round → report due 31 March (next year)

      • November round → report due 31 July (next year).

Project design best practices

  • Be community-led: involve participants in planning and delivery.

  • Be inclusive: ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, cultural groups, and youth.

  • Show local identity: reflect Tasman’s cultural traditions and diversity.

  • Provide clear outcomes: number of participants, workshops, events, artworks created.

  • Document budget realism: justify artist fees, materials, and venue costs.

  • Include evaluation: feedback forms, surveys, or attendance records.

  • Plan for sustainability: how the project builds longer-term participation.

Common mistakes and tips

  • Mistake: Missing one of the three priority areas.
    Tip: Explicitly state which priority area your project meets and how.

  • Mistake: Incomplete budget or unclear income sources.
    Tip: Provide a full budget table with costs and all income sources listed.

  • Mistake: Project already started.
    Tip: Start planning before applying; do not begin activities before approval.

  • Mistake: Outstanding reporting from previous CCS projects.
    Tip: Complete all prior reports before reapplying unless the project is ongoing.

  • Mistake: No evidence of community benefit.
    Tip: Include letters of support and describe who will benefit and how.

  • Mistake: Applying outside Tasman District boundaries.
    Tip: Confirm project location is within the district.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who can apply for CCS funding?
    Individuals (NZ citizens or permanent residents) and NZ-based groups or organizations within Tasman District.

  2. How much funding can I request?
    Most grants are under NZ$5,000. Request an amount that matches project scope and needs.

  3. What must my project demonstrate?
    It must meet at least one of: Access and Participation, Diversity, or Young People engagement.

  4. Can I apply if I received CCS funding before?
    Yes, if you have completed reporting on previous CCS projects or are still working on the current project.

  5. When are the application deadlines?
    10 March, 10 July, and 10 November each year.

  6. What must I report after the project?
    An accountability form and financial report, with reporting dates depending on the funding round.

  7. Can I apply for multiple projects?
    Yes, but you must complete reporting on prior CCS-funded projects before submitting a new application unless the earlier project is ongoing.

Assessment process

  • Applications assessed by a locally appointed assessment committee with arts and community knowledge.

  • Criteria include relevance to priority areas, community benefit, feasibility, clarity of budget, and alignment with local identity.

  • You may apply in any round provided reporting requirements are met.

Contact and support

  • For CCS queries in Tasman: contact the Community Partnership Coordinator, Tasman District Council.

  • Local arts councils:

    • Arts Council Nelson

    • Motueka and Districts Community Arts Council

    • Golden Bay Community Arts Council

Conclusion

The Creative Communities Scheme enables local, inclusive arts projects that strengthen Tasman’s cultural life and provide meaningful participation opportunities for diverse communities. Successful applicants clearly align with priority areas, present realistic budgets, and demonstrate strong community engagement and local impact.

For more information, visit Tasman District Council.