Call for Supporting Creative Communities Scheme (New Zealand)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) in Whangārei supports grassroots arts and cultural projects that increase community participation, celebrate local creativity, and make the arts more accessible and inclusive. Funding is available for a wide range of short-term projects, including cultural events, workshops, exhibitions, community art initiatives, pop-up shows, and activities showcasing young local artists. Most grants are under $5,000. Funding can support eligible project costs such as materials, venue or equipment hire, short-term personnel and administrative expenses, promotion and publicity, and reasonable food costs for community arts activities. The scheme is open to eligible New Zealand citizens or permanent residents and groups based in New Zealand. Projects must take place within Whangārei, be completed within 12 months of funding approval, and must not begin or finish before funding is approved. What Is the Creative Communities Scheme? The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) in Whangārei is designed to strengthen grassroots arts and cultural activity across the local community. The scheme supports projects that allow people to share their creative ideas, artistic practices, cultural traditions, and local stories while encouraging more people to participate in the arts. It also aims to ensure that arts opportunities are accessible and inclusive and reflect the diversity of the Whangārei community.

Objectives of the Scheme

The Creative Communities Scheme aims to:

- Increase participation in arts and cultural activities. - Support grassroots creative projects. - Make the arts more accessible and inclusive. - Celebrate Whangārei’s cultural diversity. - Provide opportunities for established and emerging artists. - Support diverse artistic and cultural traditions. - Encourage young people to participate in the arts. - Create opportunities for communities to share their creative expressions. What Types of Projects Are Supported? The scheme supports a broad range of local arts and cultural activities.

Eligible project examples can include:

- Cultural events - Arts and crafts workshops - Art exhibitions - Community art projects - Pop-up shows - Projects showcasing young local artists - Other grassroots arts and cultural activities Projects should have a clear arts or cultural focus and demonstrate how they will benefit or engage the local community. Community Engagement and Participation Community participation is an important priority of the Creative Communities Scheme. Projects are encouraged to create opportunities for people to actively participate in creative activities rather than simply attend an event as spectators.

Examples may include:

- Community workshops - Participatory art projects - Cultural activities - Collaborative exhibitions - Local creative events - Activities that bring different community groups together Supporting Diverse Artistic and Cultural Traditions The scheme recognizes the diverse cultural identity of Whangārei. Projects that support and celebrate different artistic and cultural traditions are encouraged. Applicants can use the funding opportunity to create spaces where communities can share their cultural knowledge, creative practices, artistic traditions, and forms of expression. Opportunities for Young People Projects that enable young people under 18 to participate in the arts are a particular priority. Funding can support initiatives that provide young people with opportunities to: - Learn artistic skills - Participate in workshops - Create artwork - Perform or exhibit creative work - Engage with local artists - Develop confidence through creative activities Projects showcasing young local artists are also eligible areas of activity. Opportunities for Emerging Artists The scheme is not limited to established artists. It also provides opportunities for emerging artists to participate in local arts and cultural activities. Projects can help emerging creatives gain experience, connect with their community, showcase their work, and contribute to Whangārei’s local creative environment. How Much Funding Is Available? Most grants allocated through the Creative Communities Scheme are under $5,000. Applicants should request an amount that is appropriate and proportionate to the scale and needs of their project. The requested funding should be clearly connected to eligible project costs. What Can the Funding Pay For? Funding can support a range of costs associated with eligible short-term arts and cultural projects.

These can include:

- Art and project materials - Venue hire - Equipment hire - Personnel costs for short-term projects - Administrative costs for short-term projects - Promotion and publicity - Reasonable food costs for community arts activities Applicants should ensure that proposed expenses are directly related to the eligible project. Materials and Equipment Funding can be used for materials needed to deliver an arts or cultural project. Applicants may also request support for venue or equipment hire where these costs are necessary for the activity. Project budgets should clearly explain why these costs are required. Personnel and Administrative Costs The scheme can support personnel and administrative costs associated with short-term projects. These costs should be reasonable and directly connected to project delivery rather than general ongoing organizational expenses. Promotion and Publicity Promotion and publicity costs can also be included where they are necessary to reach audiences and participants. Effective promotion can help community projects attract participants and ensure that local residents are aware of available arts and cultural activities. Food Costs Reasonable food costs may be supported for eligible community arts activities. Applicants should ensure that proposed food expenses are reasonable and directly related to the community arts project. Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

- Individuals who