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Creative New Zealand (Toi Aotearoa) with city and district councils · New Zealand

Creative Communities Scheme

Intake status unconfirmed

Creative New Zealand money handed out by local councils for small local arts projects. Projects must boost community participation in the arts, support diverse cultural traditions, or involve young people under 18.

Open the funder's page Check your potential fit

Matching is a starting point. The funder decides who is eligible.

Program at a glance

Application status
Intake status unconfirmed
Funding amount
No set limit; most grants are under NZ$5,000
Listed deadline
Each council sets its own closing dates, with up to four rounds a year. Check your local council website.
Who can apply
Artists, Individuals, Nonprofits, Charities.
Where
Anywhere in New Zealand
Good for
Arts and culture, Community and social services, Children and youth
Pays for
A project, Events, festivals or workshops

Who it's intended for

Details
Individuals (NZ citizens or permanent residents) and groups running an arts project in their council's district that finishes within 12 months of approval.
The catch
No travel, equipment purchases, venue building, fundraising or retrospective costs; projects already funded by other Creative NZ programmes are not eligible.

Source checked against the funder's website on November 9, 2026. Always confirm current details with the funder.

Still to confirm

A profile match does not check every requirement. Confirm these points on the funder's page before applying.

  • Whether the current intake is accepting applications, and its exact cutoff time and timezone.
  • Individuals (NZ citizens or permanent residents) and groups running an arts project in their council's district that finishes within 12 months of approval.
  • Any registration, membership or previous-funding restrictions.
  • Which costs are covered and what supporting documents are needed.

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