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Creative Communities Scheme

Pūtea hapori auaha

Administered by

Council (on behalf of Creative New Zealand)

Who can apply?

Community Groups and Individuals

What for?

A fixed term project
An event

What are the priorities? (four well-beings)

Mana Tangata | Social Wellbeing
Mana Mauri | Cultural Wellbeing

Closing Dates (There are two funding rounds for the Creative Communities Scheme in 2026)Round One - Applications open 13 February 2026 and close 13 March 2026

Round Two - Applications open 10 August 2026 and close on 11 September 2026

Confirmation and Decision ProcessAfter submitting your application, you will receive an email confirmation that your application has been received. The Creative Communities Advisory Committee meets after applications close. If you indicated you wish to speak to your application, we will be in touch to let you know the details. Within five working days of the committee meeting, you will receive an email letting you know the outcome of your application.
How do I get the funds?Once we know the outcome of your application, we'll ask you to send us an invoice.

If you have a great community arts and culture event in mind and need some financial support to realise your idea, the Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) may be able to assist you.

The Creative Communities Scheme aims to increase participation from the local community in the arts sector, support the diversity of local cultural traditions, and to encourage and engage young people to participate in local arts. ‘Arts’ is broadly defined to mean all forms of creative and interpretative expression.

The Creative Communities Scheme is a partnership between Creative New Zealand (the national arts development agency) and local councils in New Zealand. The scheme promotes community involvement, diversity and young people participating in the arts.

Application Forms and information

Creative Communities Application Form

Guide for Applicants

Project Report Form

Funding for Local Arts - Get Involved Brochure

Creative New Zealand Application criteria:

Applications must meet at least one of the three criteria below:

  • Access and participation – the project will create opportunities for local communities to engage with and participate in arts activities.
  • Diversity – the project will support the diverse arts and cultural traditions of local communities, enriching and promoting their uniqueness and cultural diversity.
  • Young people – the project will enable and encourage young people (under 18 years) to engage and actively participate in the arts.

Projects must:

  • Not have started or finished before Creative Communities Scheme funding is approved.
  • Not have already been funded through Creative New Zealand’s other arts funding programmes.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Guide:

Read the Creative NZ CCS Application Guide to find out if your project is eligible, learn about the application process, and get some handy tips for your application.

Full details of what can and cannot be funded through Creative Communities is available on the Creative New Zealand website, however if you have any questions, you can also contact us at funding@stdc.govt.nz.

Providing quotes is helpful for our panel to understand your application and as a demonstration that you have done accurate research. You will need to provide a high-level budget. You are advised to add images of other events you’ve created, and any statements of support for the project.

All applications are assessed by a volunteer panel, comprised of local arts practitioners and people with experience in working with community organisations. The South Taranaki District Council Arts Coordinator chairs the panel, but does not assess.

Please don't hesitate to contact our Funding Advisor by send an email or calling 0800 111 323.

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