Deadline: 21-Sep-26
The Marlborough Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) provides funding for individuals and groups in New Zealand to develop and deliver short-term community arts projects in the Marlborough region. Grants can support project materials, venue and equipment hire, artist or personnel costs, promotion, administration, and reasonable food costs, with most grants being under NZ$5,000.
What Is the Marlborough Creative Communities Scheme?
The Marlborough Creative Communities Scheme supports local arts and cultural activities that encourage community participation and make creative opportunities more accessible.
The scheme is intended to help individuals and community groups develop projects that bring people together through artistic and creative activities.
Supported projects can involve different artforms and should contribute to a vibrant and inclusive local arts environment in Marlborough, New Zealand.
What Does the Scheme Aim to Achieve?
The program focuses on increasing community participation in the arts and supporting diverse creative expression.
Its objectives include:
- Encouraging local people to participate in arts activities
- Making the arts more accessible to different communities
- Supporting diverse artistic interests and creative practices
- Helping individuals and groups deliver community-based arts projects
- Strengthening the local arts and cultural environment
- Providing opportunities for artists, participants, and audiences to engage with creative activities
What Can the Grant Fund?
Funding can be used for reasonable costs directly associated with an eligible short-term community arts project.
Eligible expenses may include:
- Art and project materials
- Venue hire
- Equipment hire
- Personnel costs directly related to the project
- Short-term administrative costs
- Promotion and publicity
- Reasonable food costs for artists
- Reasonable food costs for participants
- Reasonable food costs for audiences involved in the activity
The funding should be directly connected to delivering the proposed community arts project.
How Much Funding Is Available?
Most Marlborough Creative Communities Scheme grants are under NZ$5,000.
There is no formal upper limit on the amount that can be requested, meaning applicants may request an amount appropriate to the scale and needs of their project.
However, requesting a larger amount does not guarantee a larger award. Applicants should present a realistic budget that clearly explains why the requested funding is necessary.
Who Is Eligible?
The scheme is open to individuals and groups that meet the relevant New Zealand eligibility requirements.
Eligible applicants include:
- New Zealand citizens
- New Zealand permanent residents
- Groups based in New Zealand
Applicants should ensure that their proposed activity meets the community arts objectives of the scheme.
What If You Previously Received CCS Funding?
Previous recipients can apply again.
However, applicants who have already received Creative Communities Scheme funding must generally complete the required report for their previous project before submitting another application.
An exception may apply where the previous project is still ongoing.
Applicants should therefore ensure that reporting obligations from earlier grants are up to date before applying for new funding.
What Types of Projects Are Suitable?
The scheme is intended for short-term community arts activities.
A suitable project should:
- Have a clear artistic or creative focus
- Involve the local community
- Provide opportunities for participation or engagement
- Take place within the relevant community context
- Have clearly defined activities and outcomes
- Have a realistic project budget
Projects can be designed around different artistic disciplines and community interests, provided they align with the objectives of the Creative Communities Scheme.
What Costs Are Not Eligible?
Certain expenses cannot be supported through the scheme.
Ongoing Administration and Personnel Costs
The scheme does not generally fund ongoing administration or personnel expenses that are not directly connected to the specific project.
Projects Already Started
Funding cannot be used for projects that have already started or been completed.
Applicants should apply before committing to project delivery.
Travel to Other Areas
Travel costs associated with attending performances or exhibitions in other areas are not eligible.
Equipment Purchases
The purchase of equipment is not supported. However, equipment hire may be eligible where it is directly required for the project.
Competitions and Prizes
Funding cannot be used for:
- Competition entry fees
- Prize money
- Awards
- Judges’ fees
Royalties
Royalties are also excluded from eligible project costs.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
1. Define the Community Arts Project
Clearly explain what you want to create or present.
Include:
- Project title
- Artistic activity
- Target participants
- Location
- Project duration
- Main objectives
2. Explain Community Participation
Describe who will participate and how the project will encourage people to engage with the arts.
Explain how the project will benefit the Marlborough community.
3. Prepare a Detailed Budget
List the costs required to deliver the project.
Separate:
- Materials
- Venue hire
- Equipment hire
- Personnel
- Promotion
- Administration
- Food and other eligible expenses
Avoid including excluded costs in the funding request.
4. Demonstrate Accessibility
Explain how the activity will encourage participation from different groups and make the arts accessible to the intended community.
5. Apply Before the Project Begins
Do not start or complete the project before applying for funding, as retrospective costs are not eligible.
6. Complete Previous Grant Reporting
If you have received CCS funding previously, ensure the required project report has been completed before submitting a new application, unless the previous project is still ongoing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying after the project has already started
- Requesting funding for equipment purchases
- Including unrelated travel expenses
- Including prize money or competition entry fees
- Requesting ongoing organisational costs
- Providing an unclear or unrealistic budget
- Failing to explain community participation
- Ignoring previous grant reporting requirements
- Treating the grant as general organisational funding rather than project funding
Why the Marlborough Creative Communities Scheme Matters
Community arts projects can provide opportunities for people to participate in creative activities regardless of their background or previous arts experience.
The Marlborough Creative Communities Scheme helps local individuals and groups turn creative ideas into accessible, community-focused arts activities.
By supporting materials, venues, personnel, promotion, and other eligible project costs, the scheme can reduce financial barriers to delivering local creative projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Marlborough Creative Communities Scheme?
It is a community arts funding scheme that supports individuals and groups in New Zealand to create and present diverse arts activities that encourage local participation and strengthen the Marlborough arts community.
How much can I apply for?
Most grants awarded are under NZ$5,000, although there is no formal upper limit on the amount that can be requested.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, and groups based in New Zealand, subject to the scheme’s requirements.
Can the grant pay for equipment?
The grant can support equipment hire, but the purchase of equipment is not an eligible expense.
Can I apply for a project that has already started?
No. Costs associated with projects that have already started or been completed cannot be supported.
Can the grant cover travel expenses?
Travel to attend performances or exhibitions in other areas is not eligible for funding.
What happens if I previously received CCS funding?
Previous recipients can apply again, but they generally need to complete the required report for their previous project before applying again, unless that project is still ongoing.
Conclusion
The Marlborough Creative Communities Scheme provides an opportunity for New Zealand individuals and community groups to obtain financial support for short-term arts projects that encourage creativity, participation, and community engagement.
Most awards are below NZ$5,000, with funding potentially covering materials, venue and equipment hire, project-related personnel and administration, promotion, and reasonable food costs. A strong application should present a clearly defined community arts project, demonstrate local participation, provide a realistic budget, and exclude costs that the scheme does not support.
For more information, visit Marlborough District Council.