Creative Communities Scheme: Funding Local Arts Projects (New Zealand)

The Kāpiti Coast District Council is accepting applications for its Creative Communities Scheme (CCS), a local arts funding program supporting community-based creative projects in Kāpiti, New Zealand. Grants typically under NZD $5,000 fund projects that promote access, diversity, and youth participation, especially Toi Māori/Māori arts. Projects must take place within the district, align with the scheme’s focus areas, and be completed within 12 months of approval.

The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) is a community arts grant program administered locally by the Kāpiti Coast District Council as part of New Zealand’s national arts funding framework.

The scheme supports arts activities that celebrate Kāpiti culture, community diversity, and participation in creative practices, with a strong emphasis on Toi Māori (Māori arts).

Purpose of the Creative Communities Scheme

The scheme aims to increase:

• Access to arts and creative participation

• Cultural diversity and representation

• Youth engagement in the arts

Funding is designed to strengthen local identity and encourage community involvement through creative expression.

Key Focus Areas

Every funded project must clearly support at least one of the following priorities:

1. Access and Participation

Projects that create opportunities for local communities to engage in and experience arts activities.

2. Diversity

Projects that promote diverse artistic and cultural traditions, including:

• Māori and Toi Māori

• Pasifika communities

• Migrant communities

• LGBTQIA+ communities

• Disability communities

3. Young People

Projects that enable people under 18 years old to actively participate in creative activities.

Applications must clearly explain how the project aligns with one or more of these focus areas.

Funding Amount and Rounds

There is no fixed maximum funding amount.

However:

• Most grants are under NZD $5,000

• Councils usually run between two and four funding rounds per year

• Applications are assessed by local arts and community committees

Funding decisions are based on community impact, artistic merit, and alignment with CCS priorities.

Eligible Projects

To qualify for funding, projects must:

• Have a clear arts focus

• Take place within the Kāpiti Coast district

• Be completed within 12 months of funding approval

• Not have started or finished before funding approval

• Support at least one CCS focus area

New artworks connected to marae projects may be eligible. However, funding for marae facility development or restoration must be sought separately through the Oranga Marae Fund administered by Te Puni Kōkiri and the Department of Internal Affairs.

What Costs Are Covered?

Eligible expenses include:

• Materials for arts activities

• Venue hire

• Equipment hire (short-term use)

• Short-term personnel costs

• Administrative costs directly related to the project

• Promotion and publicity

• Reasonable food provision for artists, participants, and audiences

All costs must directly relate to delivering the proposed arts project.

What Is Not Funded?

The scheme does not support:

• Projects without an arts focus

• Education or health sector projects

• Local council-led projects

• Fundraising activities

• Facility development or restoration

• Ongoing administrative costs unrelated to the project

• Projects already started or completed

• Travel outside the local area

• Purchase of equipment

• Competition entry fees

• Prizes or awards

• Royalties

• Artwork purchases for collections

• Fundraising expenses

• Debt-related costs

Applications that include ineligible costs may be declined.

Who is Eligible?

Individuals

• Must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents

Groups and Organisations

• Must be based in New Zealand

Additional Requirements

• Previous recipients must complete a project report before submitting a new application (unless the earlier project is still ongoing)

Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to deliver the project successfully.

Why This Scheme Matters

1. Strengthening Local Identity

The scheme supports projects that reflect and celebrate Kāpiti’s cultural diversity.

2. Promoting Toi Māori

It prioritizes Māori arts and creative expression as a core cultural foundation.

3. Encouraging Youth Creativity

It ensures young people have access to creative development opportunities.

4. Supporting Grassroots Arts

Small-scale community arts initiatives gain accessible funding support.

For local artists, community groups, and cultural organizers, this scheme provides practical financial support to turn creative ideas into reality.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete all sections of the official application form.

Step 1: Provide Applicant Details

Include individual or group information and eligibility confirmation.

Step 2: Describe the Project

Clearly explain:

• The creative concept

• The artform

• The activity type

• Why funding is needed

Step 3: Specify Location and Timing

State:

• Where the project will take place

• When it will occur

• Confirmation that it has not yet started

Step 4: Outline Participants and Audience

Provide estimated numbers and explain who will benefit.

Step 5: Demonstrate Alignment

Explain how the project supports at least one key focus area.

Step 6: Attach Supporting Material

Optional but recommended:

• Examples of previous work

• Letters of community support

• Visual or written documentation

Complete and accurate applications improve funding chances.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects without a clear arts focus

• Including ineligible costs (e.g., equipment purchase)

• Applying after the project has started

• Failing to link the project to CCS priorities

• Providing vague participant or audience estimates

• Not completing required reporting from previous grants

Strong applications are clear, focused, and aligned with scheme objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a maximum funding amount?

There is no fixed cap, but most grants are under NZD $5,000.

2. Can I apply if my project has already started?

No. Projects must not begin before funding approval.

3. Can funding be used to purchase equipment?

No. Equipment purchases are not supported, though short-term equipment hire is eligible.

4. Are marae restoration projects eligible?

No. Marae facility development or restoration must apply through the Oranga Marae Fund.

5. How long do I have to complete the project?

The project must be completed within 12 months of funding approval.

6. Can previous recipients apply again?

Yes, but they must complete a project report for prior funding unless the project is still in progress.

7. Does the project have to take place in Kāpiti?

Yes. The project must occur within the district where the application is submitted.

Conclusion

The Kāpiti Coast Creative Communities Scheme provides accessible arts funding to support community creativity, cultural diversity, and youth participation across the district.

With flexible funding amounts and multiple rounds each year, the scheme enables local artists and community groups to deliver meaningful creative projects. Applicants should ensure their proposal has a strong arts focus, aligns with CCS priorities, and meets all eligibility requirements before applying.