Deadline: 21-Aug-2026
The Creative Communities Scheme provides funding to support local arts projects that encourage people across New Zealand to participate in creative activities. The scheme offers up to NZ$6,000 per funding round for individuals and groups developing community-based projects across arts disciplines including Māori arts, Pacific arts, music, theatre, visual arts, literature, dance, film, and craft.
The programme supports inclusive, innovative, and community-driven arts initiatives that strengthen cultural participation, support local artists, and celebrate diverse communities across New Zealand.
Creative Communities Scheme Overview
The Creative Communities Scheme is a community arts funding programme designed to increase participation in creative activities throughout New Zealand.
The scheme supports projects that bring people together through arts and culture by providing financial assistance for locally focused creative initiatives.
The programme encourages communities to:
- Participate in creative activities
- Develop artistic skills
- Celebrate cultural identity
- Support local artists
- Build connections through creativity
- Increase access to arts experiences
Funding is available for projects across a wide range of artistic disciplines and community settings.
Purpose of the Creative Communities Scheme
The main purpose of the Creative Communities Scheme is to make arts participation more accessible for people across New Zealand.
The scheme supports projects that:
- Encourage community involvement in arts activities
- Create opportunities for local artists
- Celebrate Māori and Pacific cultures
- Support diverse and underrepresented communities
- Encourage creative innovation
- Strengthen collaboration between artists and communities
The programme aims to ensure that creativity is accessible to people from different backgrounds, locations, and experiences.
Supported Art Forms Under the Scheme
The Creative Communities Scheme supports projects across multiple art forms, including:
Craft and Object Arts
Projects involving:
- Traditional crafts
- Contemporary object design
- Community craft activities
- Creative making workshops
Dance
Supported activities may include:
- Dance performances
- Community dance programmes
- Dance workshops
- Cultural dance activities
Literature
Projects may support:
- Writing workshops
- Community storytelling
- Poetry activities
- Literary events
Māori Arts
The scheme supports projects that celebrate and strengthen Māori creative practices, including:
- Traditional Māori art forms
- Cultural knowledge sharing
- Māori creative expression
- Community-based Māori arts activities
Film
Eligible projects may include:
- Community filmmaking
- Film workshops
- Local film projects
- Screen-based creative activities
Music
Supported activities may include:
- Community music programmes
- Performances
- Music workshops
- Local music development projects
Pacific Arts
The scheme supports projects that promote Pacific cultural expression, including:
- Pacific performance arts
- Cultural activities
- Community creative programmes
Theatre and Visual Arts
Projects may include:
Creative Communities Scheme Priorities
The programme gives priority to projects that support important community and cultural goals.
Priority areas include:
Celebrating Māori Culture
Projects that strengthen Māori arts, traditions, and cultural participation are encouraged.
Supporting Innovative Creative Projects
The scheme encourages new ideas, creative approaches, and unique community arts experiences.
Supporting Underrepresented Communities
Funding supports projects that increase participation among communities that may face barriers to accessing arts opportunities.
Empowering Local Artists
The programme helps artists develop skills, share their work, and connect with communities.
Promoting Community Collaboration
Projects that bring together artists, organisations, and community members are encouraged.
Who Is Eligible for the Creative Communities Scheme?
The scheme is open to both individuals and groups.
Eligible applicants include:
- Individual artists
- Community groups
- Arts organisations
- Local creative collectives
Individual Applicant Requirements
Individuals applying must:
- Be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents
- Have a clear role in delivering the proposed arts project
Applicants should demonstrate how their project benefits community participation in creative activities.
Funding Amount
Applicants can request up to:
NZ$6,000 per Creative Communities funding round
The total project budget may be higher than NZ$6,000, but the scheme will contribute a maximum of NZ$6,000 toward the project.
Applicants should clearly explain:
- Total project costs
- Amount requested
- Other sources of income
- Community contributions
What Can Creative Communities Funding Support?
Funding can be used for eligible project expenses, including:
Arts Materials and Resources
Examples include:
- Materials required for creative activities
- Supplies for workshops
- Resources needed for community arts programmes
Venue and Equipment Hire
Funding may support:
- Venue rental costs
- Short-term equipment hire
- Spaces needed to deliver creative activities
Personnel and Administration Costs
Eligible costs may include:
- Short-term project staff
- Artist fees
- Administrative support directly related to the project
Promotion and Publicity
Funding may support:
- Marketing activities
- Event promotion
- Publicity materials
What Does the Scheme Not Fund?
The Creative Communities Scheme does not support certain types of expenses and activities.
Funding is not available for:
- Fundraising activities
- Venue or facility development
- Local council projects
- School arts projects already funded through curriculum budgets
- Ongoing operational expenses
- Completed projects
- Travel costs
- Equipment purchases
- Competition-related expenses
- Royalties
- Purchasing artwork for collections
- Debt repayment costs
Applicants should carefully review eligible and ineligible expenses before applying.
How to Apply for the Creative Communities Scheme
Applicants should prepare their application carefully to demonstrate the value and impact of their project.
Step 1: Develop a Community Arts Project Idea
Applicants should create a project that clearly supports community participation in creative activities.
The project should explain:
- The artistic activity
- Target participants
- Community benefits
- Expected outcomes
Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should confirm that they:
- Meet applicant eligibility requirements
- Have not already completed the project
- Are applying for eligible expenses
- Can demonstrate community benefit
Step 3: Prepare a Detailed Project Budget
Applicants must provide accurate financial information.
The budget should include:
- Project costs
- Funding requested
- Other income sources
- Sponsorship support
- In-kind contributions
- Estimated income such as ticket sales or box office revenue
Applicants should include accurate quotes for goods and services where required.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Applications should clearly explain:
- How the project meets Creative New Zealand criteria
- How the project meets local funding criteria
- Why the project is important to the community
- How funding will be used
Applicants should stay within the required word limits and include the most important information directly in the application.
Step 5: Submit Supporting Information
Additional documents may be uploaded as attachments.
However, applicants should ensure that essential project details are included in the main application rather than relying only on attachments.
Application Requirements and Tips
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Providing unclear project descriptions
- Applying for completed activities
- Requesting funding for ineligible expenses
- Missing required financial details
- Exceeding word limits
- Leaving out other sources of income
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Clearly explain community impact
- Describe participant involvement
- Show cultural and creative value
- Provide realistic budgets
- Include accurate cost estimates
- Explain how the project supports local artists
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Creative Communities Scheme?
The Creative Communities Scheme is a New Zealand arts funding programme that supports local projects encouraging community participation in creative activities.
How much funding can applicants receive?
Applicants can request up to NZ$6,000 in a single funding round.
Who can apply for Creative Communities funding?
Individuals and groups can apply. Individual applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
What types of arts projects are supported?
The scheme supports craft and object arts, dance, literature, Māori arts, film, music, Pacific arts, theatre, and visual arts projects.
Can funding be used to purchase equipment?
No. The scheme does not fund equipment purchases. It may support eligible short-term project costs such as materials and equipment hire.
Can schools apply for arts projects?
School arts projects already funded through curriculum budgets are not eligible for support.
What information should applications include?
Applications should include project details, community benefits, accurate costs, funding sources, quotes, and information showing how the project meets Creative New Zealand and local criteria.
Conclusion
The Creative Communities Scheme provides valuable support for local arts projects that bring communities together and increase participation in creative activities across New Zealand.
By funding diverse artistic projects, supporting local artists, celebrating cultural identity, and encouraging collaboration, the scheme helps strengthen New Zealand’s creative communities and expand access to arts experiences for people throughout the country.
For more information, visit Christchurch City Council.