Call for Applications: International Arts Impact Fund (New Zealand)

Deadline: 21-Sep-2026

The International Arts Impact Fund supports established New Zealand artists, arts practitioners, organisations, and groups seeking to build international recognition and achieve long-term global impact. Applicants can request up to NZ$75,000 per year for one, two, or three years to support activities such as new work, international touring, presentations, professional development, and market development. What Is the International Arts Impact Fund? The International Arts Impact Fund is a Creative New Zealand funding opportunity designed to strengthen the international presence of New Zealand’s arts sector. The fund focuses on established artists and arts organisations that already have international experience and can demonstrate demand for their work overseas. Funding is intended to help applicants pursue strategic international opportunities rather than short-term or isolated activities. Why It Matters International engagement can help New Zealand artists and arts organisations: Expand international audiences and markets. Build long-term relationships with overseas partners. Present New Zealand creative work internationally. Increase international recognition and visibility. Develop sustainable international career opportunities.

Participate in international touring and presentations

The program also encourages successful applicants to work with Creative New Zealand and its international partners to maximize promotional and networking opportunities. Funding Available

Applicants can request:

Up to NZ$75,000 per year Funding for 1, 2, or 3 calendar years Funding period begins 1 January 2027 Maximum potential request over three years: NZ$225,000 However, the requested amount is not guaranteed. Creative New Zealand may approve a lower amount or a shorter funding period. Funding for subsequent years is conditional on satisfactory reporting and progress. What Can the Funding Support? The International Arts Impact Fund can support activities that contribute to an applicant’s international artistic or professional development.

Eligible activities may include:

Creation of new artistic work. International presentations. International touring. Professional development. Creative development. International market development. International partnerships and engagement. Activities that strengthen international visibility and demand. Projects should demonstrate how the proposed activity contributes to a broader and credible international strategy. Who Is Eligible? The fund is intended for established New Zealand artists, practitioners, arts organisations, and groups. Individual Artists and Practitioners

Applicants must:

Be established artists or arts practitioners. Be New Zealand citizens or Permanent Residents. Demonstrate previous international experience. Provide evidence of international demand for their work. Have a current international strategy. Artists and practitioners may apply individually or as a group of collaborators. Arts Organisations and Groups New Zealand-based arts organisations and groups may also apply if they can demonstrate: For the 2026 funding round, artists and practitioners will be prioritised. Key Eligibility Requirements Applicants should be able to demonstrate three important elements: International experience – Evidence that the applicant has previously worked, presented, toured, or engaged internationally. International demand – Evidence that overseas audiences, organisations, partners, markets, festivals, presenters, or other stakeholders have an interest in the applicant’s work. International strategy – A current and realistic plan explaining how the proposed funding will contribute to long-term international goals. Meeting these requirements is important because the fund is focused on international impact, not simply funding general arts activity. How the International Arts Impact Fund Works Applicants should approach the funding as a strategic international development opportunity.

Step 1: Define the International Goal

Clearly identify what you want to achieve internationally.

For example, your goal may involve:

Entering a new international market. Developing an overseas partnership. Touring internationally. Presenting work at major international events. Building international audiences. Developing new work for international presentation.

Step 2: Develop the International Strategy

Explain how the proposed activities fit into your broader international career or organisational strategy.

The strategy should connect:

Current international position → proposed activity → international opportunity → expected long-term impact.

Step 3: Demonstrate International Demand

Provide evidence that there is genuine international interest in your work. Letters of interest from international organisations.

Step 4: Prepare the Project and Budget

Set out the activities you want to undertake and the funding required. Explain how the requested funding will contribute directly to international impact.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Applicants should provide the required information and supporting evidence through the relevant Creative New Zealand application process. What Makes a Strong Application? A competitive application should clearly demonstrate the relationship between the proposed activity and international impact.

Focus on:

A clearly defined international ambition. Strong evidence of previous international experience. Demonstrable international demand. A realistic international strategy. Clearly defined activities and outcomes. A credible budget. Strong professional or artistic track record. Potential for sustainable international impact. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying without demonstrating previous international experience. Describing domestic activities without explaining their international relevance. Making unsupported claims about international demand. Providing an unclear or outdated international strategy. Requesting funding