Applications open for Creative Communities Fund (New Zealand)

Deadline: 6-Mar-25

The Waikato District Council has announced its Creative Communities Fund to support art activities that celebrate the uniqueness of the district, its cultural traditions and diversity, including Toi Māori.

Its goal is to increase participation from the local community in the arts sector and encourage young people to participate in local arts. ‘Arts’ is broadly defined to mean all forms of creative and interpretative expression.

Funding Information

• There is no limit to how much you can apply for, but most CCS grants tend to be under $2,000.

Eligible Projects

• To be eligible for funding through Creative Communities Scheme your arts project must support at least one of the following:
  • Access and participation: Create opportunities for local communities to engage with, and participate in local arts activities e.g.:
    • performances by community choirs, hip-hop groups, theatre companies or poets
    • workshops on printmaking, writing, dancing or other creative forms
    • exhibitions by local craft groups promoting weaving, pottery and carving
    • festivals featuring local artists
    • creation of a community film or a public artwork by a community
    • development of new tukutuku, whakairo or kōwhaiwhai for a local marae
    • artist residencies involving local artists or communities
    • seminars for local artist development.
  • Young people: Enable young people (under 18 years) to engage with, and participate in the arts e.g.:
    • a group of young people working with an artist to create a mural or street art
    • a group of young people creating a film about an issue that is important to them
    • printing a collection of writing by young people
    • music workshops for young people
    • an exhibition of visual artwork by young people.

Ineligible Projects

• You cannot apply for CCS funding for:
  • projects without an arts focus, e.g. puzzles, upholstery, magic, model-making, commercial design, commercial fashion design, film festivals, fitness-based dance (such as aerobics or gymnastics
  • or martial arts (such as tai chi or karate)
  • film festivals presenting films made outside the local area.

Eligibility Criteria

• Individuals or groups can apply for CCS funding:
  • Individuals must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
  • If you have already received funding from CCS for a project, you must complete a report on that project before making another application, unless the project is still in progress.

For more information, visit Waikato District Council.