Deadline: 31-Aug-2026
The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) is a New Zealand arts funding programme that provides grants to individuals and community groups for local creative projects. Administered by local councils and supported by Creative New Zealand, the scheme encourages community participation in the arts, celebrates cultural diversity, and creates opportunities for young people to engage in creative activities.
About the Creative Communities Scheme (CCS)
The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) is a nationwide arts funding initiative that supports community-led creative projects across New Zealand. The programme is funded by Creative New Zealand, the country’s national arts development agency, and administered locally by councils, including the Ashburton District Council and other participating local authorities.
Each year, the scheme supports more than 1,800 individuals and community groups, helping deliver projects that strengthen local arts, celebrate cultural diversity, and encourage greater participation in creative activities.
The programme focuses on making the arts accessible, inclusive, and representative of New Zealand’s diverse communities while supporting grassroots artistic development.
Programme Objectives
The Creative Communities Scheme aims to:
- Increase community participation in the arts.
- Support local artists and creative practitioners.
- Celebrate New Zealand’s cultural diversity.
- Encourage artistic innovation and creativity.
- Create opportunities for young people to participate in the arts.
- Strengthen community wellbeing through creative expression.
- Support inclusive and accessible arts activities.
Priority Funding Areas
Projects should contribute to one or more of the following priorities:
Increase Community Participation
Support projects that encourage local people to actively participate in arts and cultural activities.
Celebrate Cultural Diversity
Promote and support the artistic traditions and cultural expressions of diverse communities, including:
- Māori communities
- Pasifika communities
- Migrant communities
- LGBTQIA+ communities
- Disabled communities
- Other culturally diverse groups
Support Young People
Create opportunities for children and young people under 18 years of age to engage in, learn about, and participate in artistic activities.
Supported Art Forms
Funding is available for a wide variety of creative disciplines, including:
- Music
- Dance
- Theatre
- Visual arts
- Literature
- Craft and traditional arts
- Multi-artform projects
- Community arts workshops
- Cultural performances
- Creative festivals and exhibitions
Funding Amount
There is no maximum funding limit for applications.
However:
- Most successful grants are under NZD $5,000.
- NZD $5,000 is approximately USD $3,000.
- Funding requests should be realistic and directly related to project costs.
Eligible Expenses
The scheme may fund:
- Arts materials and supplies.
- Venue hire.
- Equipment hire.
- Short-term artist or facilitator fees.
- Project administration costs.
- Promotion and marketing.
- Community workshop expenses.
- Reasonable food costs associated with community arts activities.
Ineligible Expenses
The programme generally does not fund:
- Ongoing organisational administration.
- Equipment purchases.
- Travel outside the local area.
- Facility development or construction.
- Fundraising activities.
- Prize money.
- Projects already funded through education, health, or other government sectors.
- Projects that have already started or been completed before funding approval.
Who Is Eligible?
Applications are open to:
- Individual New Zealand citizens.
- New Zealand permanent residents.
- Community groups.
- Arts organisations.
- Local creative collectives.
Applicants must be based in New Zealand.
Project Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for funding, projects must:
- Take place within the city or district where the application is submitted.
- Have a clear arts or creative focus.
- Be completed within 12 months of funding approval.
- Not have started before funding is approved.
- Not be completed before receiving funding approval.
- Deliver benefits to the local community.
- Align with at least one CCS funding priority.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are assessed by a local committee with knowledge of community arts and local priorities.
The committee considers:
- Community participation.
- Artistic quality.
- Cultural value.
- Community benefit.
- Project planning.
- Feasibility.
- Budget realism.
- Alignment with CCS objectives.
- Contribution to local arts development.
Why This Scheme Matters
The Creative Communities Scheme plays an important role in strengthening New Zealand’s creative sector at the grassroots level.
The programme helps:
- Build stronger communities through creativity.
- Increase access to arts and culture.
- Support emerging and established artists.
- Preserve cultural traditions.
- Encourage inclusion and diversity.
- Inspire young people through creative experiences.
- Enhance local identity and community pride.
By investing in locally driven arts initiatives, CCS contributes to vibrant, inclusive, and resilient communities throughout New Zealand.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit their application through the local council administering the Creative Communities Scheme in their area.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure that:
- You are eligible to apply.
- Your project has a clear arts focus.
- Your project aligns with CCS funding priorities.
Step 2: Develop Your Project
Prepare details including:
- Project objectives.
- Planned activities.
- Target participants.
- Community benefits.
- Timeline.
- Budget.
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Information
Include:
- Project description.
- Budget breakdown.
- Timeline.
- Previous project information (if applicable).
- Completion report for any previously funded CCS project, unless it is still in progress.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Submit the completed application to the relevant local council before the application deadline.
Step 5: Assessment
Applications are reviewed by the local Creative Communities assessment committee.
Successful applicants receive funding to implement their projects within the approved timeframe.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve your chances of success:
- Clearly demonstrate community participation.
- Show how the project benefits local residents.
- Explain the artistic value of the project.
- Highlight cultural diversity and inclusion.
- Present a realistic and detailed budget.
- Include achievable timelines.
- Demonstrate strong project planning.
- Clearly explain expected outcomes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid the following:
- Applying after the project has already started.
- Submitting incomplete applications.
- Providing unrealistic budgets.
- Failing to demonstrate community benefit.
- Requesting funding for ineligible expenses.
- Missing previous project reporting requirements.
- Submitting projects without a clear arts focus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Creative Communities Scheme?
New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, community groups, arts organisations, and creative collectives based in New Zealand may apply.
What types of projects are supported?
Projects that encourage community participation in the arts, celebrate cultural diversity, or engage young people in creative activities are eligible.
How much funding is available?
There is no upper funding limit, although most grants awarded are under NZD $5,000.
Can projects already underway receive funding?
No. Projects must not have started or been completed before funding approval.
What costs can be covered?
Funding may cover materials, venue hire, equipment hire, artist fees, project administration, promotion, workshops, and reasonable food costs for community arts activities.
Who evaluates applications?
Applications are assessed by a local committee with expertise in community arts and knowledge of local priorities.
How long must projects take to complete?
Approved projects must generally be completed within 12 months of receiving funding approval.
Conclusion
The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) provides valuable funding for local arts initiatives that strengthen communities, celebrate cultural diversity, and encourage creative participation across New Zealand. By supporting individuals and community groups in delivering accessible and inclusive arts projects, the programme helps foster vibrant local cultures, nurture emerging talent, and ensure that creativity remains an essential part of community life.
For more information, visit Ashburton District Council.
