Deadline: 15-Feb-2026
The Auckland Council is seeking applications for its Creative Communities Scheme to bring art (music, dancing, film-making, weaving, singing, poetry and theatre) into the everyday lives of Aucklanders across the region on beaches, in parks, community halls, theatres, streets and galleries.
Projects must support at least one of the following: access and participation through community involvement in performances, workshops, exhibitions, festivals, community films, public artworks, marae-based art, artist residencies, or seminars; diversity by supporting the cultural traditions of Māori, Pasifika, migrant, LGBTQIA+ communities, or groups with experience of disability or mental illness; and young people by enabling those under 18 to engage in creative activities such as murals, films, writing, music workshops, or art exhibitions.
While there is no fixed limit to the amount one can apply for, most grants are under $5,000. Funding is available for materials for arts activities or programmes, venue or equipment hire, short-term personnel and administrative costs, promotion and publicity, and reasonable requests to provide food for artists, participants, and audiences in community arts activities.
However, CCS does not cover ongoing administration costs, projects already started or completed, travel to attend performances in other areas, purchase of equipment, competition entry fees, prize money, royalties, or fundraising expenses.
Applicants can be individuals, provided they are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, or groups that are based in New Zealand. Those who have received CCS funding previously must complete a report on that project before applying again, unless the project is still underway.
Applications are considered by a local assessment committee with knowledge of the arts and communities, and funding rounds are held two to four times a year depending on the council.
The application process requires applicants to provide details such as the project name, description, location, timing, expected participants and audience numbers, funding criteria, artform, and activity type. Successful applicants must also submit a completion report with accurate participation numbers once the project ends.
The deadline for applications is 15 February 2026.
For more information, visit Auckland Council.