Council administers the Creative Communities Scheme that provides funding for arts and cultural projects in our district. The funding comes from Creative New Zealand.

To be eligible for funding your 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

• Diversity: Support the diverse artistic cultural traditions of local communities

• Young people: Enable young people (under 18 years) to engage with, and participate in the arts

 For more information on applying for this scheme - Guide for Applicants 

There are two funding rounds annually, they open on the second Wednesday of February and the first Wednesday of August each year and are open for applications for a period of five weeks.

You can apply through our online portal - available at the bottom of the menu to the left. Hard copy application forms can be found here and can be emailed in once completed with any supporting documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with 'attention grants' in the subject line, or drop it in to any of our offices. Please reach out with the email above or give us a call on 0800 746 467 if you have any questions about the application process.