Deadline: 01-Mar-2026
The Creative Communities Scheme supports local arts initiatives in New Zealand by promoting community participation, celebrating cultural diversity, and engaging young people in creative activities. It provides funding for projects that reflect local identities and foster hands-on artistic experiences, including performances, workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative public artworks.
Programme Overview
The Creative Communities Scheme aims to:
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Encourage Participation: Create opportunities for local communities to engage in arts activities.
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Support Diversity: Reflect and celebrate a wide range of cultural and artistic traditions.
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Enable Young People: Provide meaningful participation opportunities for individuals under 18 years of age.
The scheme is delivered through a partnership between Creative New Zealand and local councils across the country, enabling community-led arts initiatives that strengthen local identity and creativity.
Eligible Projects
Funded 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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Clearly support at least one of the scheme’s core focus areas: participation, diversity, or young people
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Not have started or finished before funding is approved
Examples of eligible projects include:
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Community performances and festivals
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Creative workshops and exhibitions
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Collaborative public artworks and artist residencies
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Development activities that build local artistic skills
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Projects highlighting Māori, Pasifika, migrant, LGBTQIA+, or disability-inclusive artistic practices
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Hands-on opportunities for young people to create, perform, or showcase artistic work
Funding and Budget
Applicants must submit a detailed project budget outlining all anticipated costs. Typical eligible expenses include:
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Artist fees
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Materials for project delivery
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Venue hire related to project preparation and execution
Funding amounts typically range up to $2,000, with higher amounts considered in exceptional cases depending on the project scale and local council allocations.
Eligibility Criteria
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Individuals: Must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents
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Groups/Organizations: Must be based in New Zealand
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Applicants who received funding previously must submit a final report for that project before applying for new funding, unless the earlier project is still in progress
FAQs
Q1: Who can apply?
A1: Individuals who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, and groups or organizations based in New Zealand.
Q2: What types of projects are eligible?
A2: Projects must be community-focused arts initiatives such as performances, workshops, exhibitions, festivals, collaborative artworks, residencies, or development activities.
Q3: What are the funding limits?
A3: Funding is generally up to $2,000 per project, though higher amounts may be considered depending on the scale and council allocation.
Q4: Can projects already started be funded?
A4: No, projects must not have started or finished before funding approval.
Q5: What are the core focus areas?
A5: Participation, diversity, and young people (under 18).
Q6: Is previous reporting required?
A6: Yes, applicants who have previously received funding must submit a report on that project before applying again, unless it is still ongoing.
Conclusion
The Creative Communities Scheme empowers communities across New Zealand to take an active role in arts and cultural life. By supporting locally-led projects that foster participation, diversity, and youth engagement, the scheme enhances artistic skills, celebrates cultural expression, and strengthens community identity. It provides practical resources to enable creative initiatives that reflect the richness and diversity of New Zealand’s communities.
For more information, visit Tauranga City Council.