Deadline: 09-Aug-2026
The Creative Communities Scheme is a local funding programme designed to support community-based arts activities throughout New Zealand. It aims to ensure broad participation in the arts by funding accessible, inclusive, and locally relevant creative projects.
The scheme encourages artistic expression that reflects the cultural diversity of New Zealand communities.
Funding Details
- Typical grant size: Generally under NZD 5,000
- No fixed maximum funding limit (case-dependent)
- Funding can cover:
Key Objectives
The scheme aims to:
- Increase access to local arts activities
- Encourage community participation in the arts
- Support cultural diversity and artistic traditions
- Provide opportunities for young people under 18 years
- Strengthen community engagement through creativity
- Promote inclusion across diverse groups
Eligible Activities
The scheme supports a wide range of community arts initiatives, including:
- Performances and live events
- Arts workshops and training sessions
- Exhibitions and galleries
- Community festivals
- Artist residencies
- Public art projects
- Creative writing projects
- Heritage and traditional arts projects
- Community-based creative initiatives
Priority Communities
Projects involving the following groups are encouraged:
- Māori communities
- Pasifika communities
- Migrant and refugee communities
- LGBTQIA+ communities
- Disability communities
- Youth (under 18 years)
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Individuals must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents
- Groups must be based in New Zealand
- Projects must be locally based in the applying city or district
Project Requirements
Funded projects must:
- Take place within the applicant’s local area
- Be completed within 12 months of funding approval
- Not start or finish before funding approval
- Demonstrate a clear arts focus
- Show community participation or benefit
Ineligible Activities
The scheme does not fund:
- Projects without a clear arts component
- Fundraising events
- Facility development or capital infrastructure projects
- School curriculum-based arts activities
- Purchase of equipment (as a standalone activity)
- Travel outside the local area for events
- Prize money or royalties
- Debt repayment
- Ongoing operational costs unrelated to the project
Application Conditions
Applicants must:
- Ensure eligibility before applying
- Submit projects that are not already completed or underway
- Complete reporting for previous CCS-funded projects before reapplying
- Avoid overlapping or duplicate funding applications
- Clearly define community benefit and participation outcomes
Program Objectives
The Creative Communities Scheme aims to:
- Strengthen local arts participation
- Support cultural expression and diversity
- Increase youth engagement in creative activities
- Build stronger, more connected communities
- Encourage inclusive and accessible arts experiences
- Support grassroots creative development
Why This Scheme Matters
The CCS is important because it:
- Supports community-led cultural expression
- Increases access to arts opportunities at the local level
- Encourages participation from underrepresented groups
- Strengthens cultural identity and diversity
- Provides funding for small-scale but impactful arts projects
- Helps develop local creative talent and engagement
Conclusion
The Creative Communities Scheme supports accessible and inclusive arts projects across New Zealand by funding grassroots initiatives that encourage participation, celebrate cultural diversity, and engage young people. Through small-scale grants, the scheme strengthens local creative communities and ensures the arts remain an active and inclusive part of everyday life.
For more information, visit Auckland Council.