Deadline: 19-Aug-2026
The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) provides funding support for individuals, groups, and community organisations to deliver creative and artistic activities in the Mackenzie District, New Zealand. The scheme encourages community participation in arts, cultural expression, and creative projects that strengthen local engagement and creativity.
The programme supports a wide range of artistic activities, including visual arts, music, performance, digital storytelling, Māori arts, literary activities, arts education, and other forms of creative expression.
About the Creative Communities Scheme
The Creative Communities Scheme is a community arts funding programme delivered through a partnership between Creative New Zealand and local councils across New Zealand.
The scheme aims to:
- Increase community participation in creative activities
- Support local artists and community groups
- Encourage cultural expression and creativity
- Provide opportunities for people to experience and participate in the arts
- Strengthen local arts communities
Applications are reviewed by local assessment committees made up of people with knowledge and experience of arts activities within their communities.
Supported Creative Activities
The Creative Communities Scheme supports many forms of creative and interpretive expression, including:
- Dance projects
- Theatre and performance activities
- Visual arts projects
- Music programmes and performances
- Arts education activities
- Toi Māori and Māori cultural arts
- Literary workshops and writing activities
- Digital storytelling projects
- Community-based creative events
- Other artistic and cultural initiatives
Projects should demonstrate meaningful community participation and artistic value.
Funding Amount
There is no maximum application limit under the Creative Communities Scheme.
Applicants may request any amount needed for their eligible project. However:
- Most CCS grants awarded are generally below $5,000
- Funding decisions depend on project quality, available budget, and community benefit
Funding is intended to support specific arts projects rather than ongoing organisational costs.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Individuals
- Community groups
- Arts organisations
- Creative practitioners
- Local community initiatives
Individual Applicants
Individuals must:
- Be New Zealand citizens, or
- Hold New Zealand permanent residency
Group Applicants
Groups must:
- Be based in New Zealand
- Deliver the project within the eligible district area
Applicants who have previously received CCS funding must complete a project report before applying for new funding unless the previous project is still underway.
Project Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for funding, projects must meet the following conditions:
- The activity must take place within the Mackenzie District
- The project must be completed within 12 months after funding approval
- The project must not begin before funding approval
- The project must have a clear arts or creative focus
Projects should provide opportunities for community involvement and creative participation.
Examples of Suitable Projects
Eligible projects may include:
- Community art workshops
- Local music events
- Cultural performances
- Creative learning programmes
- Public art activities
- Storytelling initiatives
- Māori arts projects
- Community exhibitions
- Digital creative projects
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
Step 1: Develop a Creative Project Idea
Prepare a clear description explaining:
- What artistic activity will be delivered
- Who will participate
- How the community will benefit
- Expected creative outcomes
Step 2: Prepare a Project Budget
Include:
- Project expenses
- Materials and equipment costs
- Artist or facilitator fees
- Venue costs
- Other eligible project-related expenses
Step 3: Confirm Eligibility
Check that:
- The project is arts-focused
- The activity occurs within Mackenzie District
- The project timeline meets funding requirements
Step 4: Submit Application
Submit the funding application through the relevant local council process.
Applications are assessed by a local arts assessment committee.
Assessment Process
Applications are reviewed by local assessment committees that consider:
- Artistic quality
- Community participation
- Accessibility and inclusion
- Local cultural value
- Project feasibility
- Effective use of funding
The committee evaluates whether the project supports the objectives of the Creative Communities Scheme.
Activities Not Supported
The scheme does not fund:
- Activities without an arts focus
- Activities that are the responsibility of schools or educational institutions
- General administration costs unrelated to a specific project
- Core operating costs of organisations
- Service provider business activities
- Costs incurred before funding approval
- Fundraising activities
- Travel costs to attend events
- Facility development projects
- Capital purchases or major equipment costs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying for projects that are not clearly arts-related
- Starting activities before receiving funding approval
- Requesting funding for ongoing organisational expenses
- Submitting incomplete project budgets
- Applying without explaining community benefits
- Forgetting to complete previous CCS project reports
Why the Creative Communities Scheme Matters
Community arts programmes play an important role in building stronger and more connected communities.
The Creative Communities Scheme helps:
- Encourage local creativity
- Support emerging artists
- Preserve cultural expression
- Increase public participation in the arts
- Create opportunities for diverse communities to engage creatively
By supporting local artistic activities, the scheme contributes to a vibrant and inclusive creative environment in Mackenzie District.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Creative Communities Scheme?
The Creative Communities Scheme is a New Zealand community arts funding programme that supports creative activities and artistic participation at the local level.
2. How much funding can applicants request?
There is no fixed funding limit. However, most grants awarded are usually under $5,000.
3. Who can apply for CCS funding?
Individuals, community groups, and arts organisations can apply. Individuals must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, and groups must be based in New Zealand.
4. Where must projects take place?
Projects must be delivered within the Mackenzie District where the application is submitted.
5. Can projects start before funding approval?
No. Projects must not begin before receiving funding approval.
6. Does CCS fund equipment purchases?
No. The scheme generally does not support capital item purchases or facility development costs.
7. Can applicants who previously received funding apply again?
Yes. Previous CCS recipients must complete reporting requirements for earlier projects before submitting a new application, unless their previous project is still ongoing.
Conclusion
The Creative Communities Scheme provides valuable support for arts and cultural activities that bring communities together in the Mackenzie District. By funding creative projects across multiple artistic fields, the programme helps individuals, groups, and organisations develop meaningful cultural experiences and increase community participation in the arts.
For more information, visit Mackenzie District Council.