Deadline: 01-Mar-2026
The Creative Communities Scheme supports local arts participation in New Zealand by funding community-led creative projects that celebrate cultural diversity and engage young people. The initiative encourages workshops, performances, exhibitions, festivals, and public artworks, emphasizing inclusivity and opportunities for under-18s. Funding is administered in partnership between Creative New Zealand and local councils to strengthen community involvement and local cultural expression.
Overview of the Creative Communities Scheme
The Creative Communities Scheme is a nationwide program in New Zealand aimed at increasing community engagement in the arts. It promotes access, participation, and cultural diversity, while encouraging young people to actively create and experience artistic projects. The scheme operates through collaboration between Creative New Zealand, the national arts development agency, and local councils.
The term “arts” under this scheme is broad, encompassing all forms of creative and interpretive expression, including visual arts, performing arts, literature, music, and multimedia projects.
Key Focus Areas
The scheme prioritizes three core areas:
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Access and Participation – Ensuring local communities have opportunities to engage in arts activities.
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Diversity – Supporting a wide range of cultural and artistic traditions, including Māori, Pasifika, migrant, LGBTQIA+, and disability-inclusive projects.
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Youth Engagement – Enabling individuals under 18 years old to participate meaningfully in creative projects.
Eligible Projects
Projects must:
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Take place within the city or district of the application
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Be completed within 12 months of funding approval
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Begin only after the funding is approved
Examples of eligible projects include:
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Community performances and theatre productions
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Creative workshops and classes
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Art exhibitions and festivals
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Collaborative public artworks and artist residencies
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Skill-development activities to strengthen local artistic participation
Projects highlighting inclusive practices or underrepresented communities are particularly encouraged.
Who Is Eligible?
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Individuals – Must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
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Groups and Organizations – Must be based in New Zealand.
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Previous recipients of Creative Communities Scheme funding must submit a final report for their prior project before applying for new funding (unless the project is still ongoing).
Why It Matters
The Creative Communities Scheme strengthens local cultural identity and community cohesion by:
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Empowering communities to lead arts initiatives
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Encouraging participation across diverse groups
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Supporting young people in hands-on creative engagement
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Promoting inclusivity and celebrating cultural diversity
How to Apply / How It Works
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Identify your project – Ensure it aligns with one of the scheme’s core focus areas.
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Plan your project timeline – Confirm that your project will start after approval and finish within 12 months.
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Prepare a detailed budget – Include anticipated costs such as artist fees, materials, and venue hire.
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Complete the application – Submit through your local council, providing all required project details.
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Review process – Applications are assessed by a panel considering impact, alignment with focus areas, and community benefit.
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Receive funding – Approved applicants are awarded funding to implement their projects.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting incomplete project details or unclear budgets
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Applying for projects outside the council’s geographic area
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Starting a project before funding approval
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Failing to report on previously funded projects
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Not clearly identifying the main funding criterion for the project
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of projects are eligible for funding?
Projects can include performances, exhibitions, workshops, festivals, public artworks, residencies, and skill-development activities.
Can young people lead projects under this scheme?
Yes, projects involving participants under 18 years are strongly encouraged, with hands-on creative engagement prioritized.
Are there restrictions on where the project can take place?
Yes, projects must take place within the city or district where the application is submitted.
Who can apply for the Creative Communities Scheme?
Individuals who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents and groups or organizations based in New Zealand can apply.
How is funding assessed?
Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the scheme’s focus areas, community impact, feasibility, and clarity of budget and project plan.
Can I apply if I received funding previously?
Yes, but a final report for any completed project must be submitted before applying for new funding.
How long must the project take to complete?
Projects must be completed within 12 months of funding approval.
Conclusion
The Creative Communities Scheme is a vital program that empowers New Zealand communities to lead creative projects, celebrate cultural diversity, and engage young people in the arts. By providing funding, guidance, and support, the scheme strengthens local participation, fosters inclusive artistic expression, and ensures that community-driven creative initiatives thrive across the country.
For more information, visit Tauranga City Council.