Creative Communities Scheme

Information relating to the COVID-19 lockdown

The Funding Allocation meeting on April 9th has been postponed because of the lockdown for the next four weeks, and possibly longer.

We haven’t cancelled the funding round at this stage, but the date of the next meeting will depend on the pandemic. We may have to defer to the next funding round in September.

We will make a call in a few weeks on whether we can reschedule this funding round within the financial year (ending June 2020). If we can reschedule, funding for this round will be held over to this allocation meeting, and will be distributed at that time.

This means all projects scheduled for the next two months will not receive funding at this time. We encourage applicants to the current round to reschedule to later in the year or early next year. Applicants will need to let us know the new timeframe of their project.

If you have questions, please email us at artsadmin@kapiticoast.govt.nz and we will get back to you.

About the scheme

The Creative Communities Scheme is a fund aimed at supporting arts activities that celebrate Kāpiti culture, community involvement, and celebrating our diversity, particularly Toi Māori/Māori Arts. 

You can discuss your ideas for arts project/s anytime with the Arts Advisor (artsadmin@kapiticoast.govt.nz).

In August 2019, the Grants Allocation Committee allocated grants to nine recipients. See here for for details about the successful recipients and their arts projects.

The arts of New Zealand are flourishing in our culturally diverse communities - in rural communities, towns and cities, and in a range of ways and places. Arts projects might be large and complex, involving many people or smaller-scale projects, just involving a few. Creative New Zealand is committed to supporting opportunities for New Zealanders to access and participate in the arts, wherever they live and whatever their circumstances.

Twice a year (February/March and July-September) we process applications for funding from the Creative Communities Scheme, which are approved by the Grants Allocations Committee. Creative New Zealand sets the criteria, and provide the standard application form and guide.

The three main funding criteria are:

1. Broad community involvement – the project will create opportunities for our local communities to engage with and participate in arts activities.
2. Diversity – the project will support the diverse arts and cultural traditions of our local communities, enriching and promoting their uniqueness and cultural diversity.
3. Young people – the project will enable and encourage young people (under 18 years) to engage with and actively participate in the arts.

We particularly welcome applications that focus on Toi Māori/Māori Arts and projects that encourage community participation.

Our funding pool for this round is around $23,000. The committee usually grants up to or around $2000 for a project (although this can vary depending on how many applications there are). 

How to apply

Creative Communities guide and glossary

The Creative Communities Scheme application guide gives an overview of the scheme, the criteria, and eligibility. Please note that eligibility criteria have changed to enable groups to include some expenses relating to hospitality/manaakitanga.

The Creative Communities glossary provides definitions and explanations of some of the terms used in the application guide.

More information

For more information and advice contact our Arts Advisor. We encourage you to ask for more information and advice well in advance of the applications closing date. 

You can print out your application form and send in by mail or hand it in to one of our libraries or service centres. Alternatively, submit by email (with a signed and scanned last page) to artsadmin@kapiticoast.govt.nz.

For more information about this scheme and other funding opportunities visit Creative New Zealand.

Project report form

If you receive funding, you'll need to complete a Project Report Form. Please make sure you complete all sections.

Completion reports for projects that have been completed before December 2019 are now due.

Previous applicants who wish to apply again for grants will need to submit a Project Report Form to be eligible for grant funding.