About the fund
The Arts Sustainability Fund helps artists and arts organisations:
- build long-term financial and organisational strength
- create new arts opportunities in Kāpiti
- develop projects that can continue beyond the funding period
- increase access to arts and culture
- tell local stories through visual, performing and cultural arts.
We mainly support new initiatives or projects that have not received funding from us before.
We may consider an existing project when it includes a significant new activity or direction.
Application status
The fund is fully allocated for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years.
We expect the next funding round to open in 2027.
You can contact our team before the next round to discuss your idea, planning and the application process.
Funding available
We allocate about $34,000 each year through the Arts Sustainability Fund.
The amount available may change each year, depending on other funding commitments.
Grants are usually between $8,000 and $10,000 a year.
Funding may be available for up to three years.
We may award:
- multi-year funding for a major initiative
- seed funding to help establish a new arts project, group or organisation.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are:
- an artist who lives or works in Kāpiti
- an arts organisation based in Kāpiti
- an arts group or cultural group working in Kāpiti
- a not-for-profit organisation that supports arts participation
- an iwi organisation or other group focused on the development of Ngā Toi Māori.
Education providers may apply for activities outside their normal curriculum.
What we can fund
We may fund projects that:
- take place in the Kāpiti Coast District
- are new or have not received funding from us before
- run for three years or more
- demonstrate long-term value
- strengthen Kāpiti’s arts sector
- increase participation in arts and culture
- contribute to cultural, social, economic or environmental wellbeing
- have the potential to become a major ongoing activity.
Examples may include:
- a new performance or visual arts programme
- ongoing arts programmes that share local stories
- programmes about the environment or the Kāpiti Coast
- cultural programmes developed with iwi or hapū
- a new performing arts or cultural arts group.
What we cannot fund
We do not usually fund:
- existing projects where no new activity is planned
- activities that are already receiving funding from us
- short-term or one-off projects
- individual training courses, unless they create a clear and ongoing community benefit
- school curriculum activities.
How applications are assessed
We assess whether your project:
- supports the purpose of the fund
- provides long-term value for Kāpiti
- is realistic and well planned
- can continue beyond the funding period
- increases access to arts and culture
- strengthens the local arts sector
- contributes to the social, cultural, environmental or economic wellbeing of Kāpiti.
Preference may be given to new initiatives.
How to apply
Applications are currently closed.
Before the next funding round opens, you can contact our team to:
- discuss whether your project may be eligible
- ask questions about the fund
- get advice about planning your proposal
- understand what information you will need to provide.
When applications open, this page will include:
- the opening and closing dates
- an application form or online application link
- an application guide
- contact details for support.
Key dates
- 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 – Funding is fully allocated
- 2027 – We expect to announce the next round of funding
Exact dates will be added when the next round is confirmed
If you application is successful
Successful applicants must provide a summary report for each year they receive funding.
The funding agreement will confirm:
- when reports are due
- what information you need to provide
- payment dates
- project milestones
- any other funding conditions.
Recipients 2025/26
The assessment panel for this fund has awarded a grant to two recipients in 2025/26.
| Recipient |
Project |
Year |
|
Jessica Clough and Sera Devcich |
Establish a new professional theatre company, Maven Theatre Company, providing a platform for local artists, actors, and technicians to showcase their talent. The new company will feature local and national drama, offering quality productions in the state-of-the-art venue, Te Raukura ki Kāpiti. |
2025/26 |
|
Louie Zalk Neale (Ngāi Te Rangi) |
Ngai-kore-tua-mao is an arts programme based in mahi tī kōuka and Kāpiti waterways. Through interactive art installations, performance art, and workshops, Louie, a celebrated visual artist and leading practitioner in mahi tī kōuka, will present and replicate powerful art experiences strongly integrated with te taiaio (the environment) and the Ikawai Taura Fish Passage environmental Kaupapa. The programme will engage audiences in a rich cultural/ecological programme of events to raise the profile of the lesser known fibre and cultural practices of mahi tī kōuka. |
2025/26 |
Recipients of funding in past years have included:
| Recipient |
Project |
Year |
|
Writers' Practice |
Launching the Kāpiti Festival of Books in August 2025, a new annual event intended to grow to be a major arts activity. This will be a fun, inclusive and accessible event, representing the diverse heritage and stories of our region. The organisers aim to enable as many people as possible to participate in literary events. |
2024/25 |
|
Beachside Harmony |
Establishing Kāpiti’s first mixed-gender Barbershop Chorus as a vibrant and inclusive high standard chorus, aiming for excellence in singing at a community and national level. |
2022/23 |
|
Kia Emiemi |
Through a strengthening collaborative relationship between Mahara Gallery and Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Kia Emiemi focuses on the Toi Whakarākai weaving and carving programmes, providing an internship programme, and sharing traditional Māori taonga creation with the community. |
2022/23 |
|
Matariki Star Glaze Festival |
Star Glaze will be an annual mid-winter Ōtaki-based art festival that celebrates Matariki through the arts, supports creative excellence, and provides a sustainable platform for Kāpiti creatives (ceramicists, potters, visual artists, weavers, sculptors, and photographers) to exhibit and sell their work. |
2022/23 |
|
Raumati South Community Orchestra |
The Community Orchestra will be re-established as an ongoing and celebrated part of Raumati South village life with an inclusive programme to learn popular songs, hold creative workshops, and to perform local musical events. |
2022/23 |