Deadline: 24-Oct-2025
The Creative Communities Scheme provides support to local arts activities for arts projects that foster engagement and participation across local communities.
The focus areas include Access and Participation, which encourages community involvement in local arts activities such as performances, workshops, exhibitions, festivals, community films, public artworks, marae-based projects, artist residencies, and development seminars. Diversity supports the cultural traditions of Māori, Pasifika, migrant communities, and groups with lived experiences of disability or mental illness through workshops, rehearsals, performances, festivals, and exhibitions. Young People emphasizes enabling those under 18 to actively participate in creative projects, including murals, films, published writing, music workshops, and visual art exhibitions.
While there is no strict limit on how much funding can be requested, most CCS grants are under $2,000. Individuals and groups can apply for funding, with the requirement that individuals must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. Previous recipients must complete a report on their funded project before submitting a new application, unless the earlier project is still in progress.
Eligible costs for CCS support include materials for arts activities, venue or equipment hire, personnel and administrative costs for short-term projects, and promotion and publicity. Costs not covered include ongoing administration, already-started projects, travel to attend events in other areas, equipment purchases, entry fees for competitions, royalties, purchase of artworks, or debt-related expenses.
Projects must take place within the applicant’s city or district, be completed within 12 months of funding approval, and must not have started or finished before funding is granted. However, certain types of projects are excluded, such as those without an arts focus, projects tied to core educational activities, projects that primarily serve other sectors, council initiatives, fundraising activities, and facility development or restoration.
Funding rounds are held up to four times a year in each area, and applications are assessed by local committees with expertise in arts and community engagement. The deadline for applications is 24 October 2025.
For more information, visit Opotiki District Council.
