Arts sustainability fund

We've established a contestable fund to support the development and long-term sustainability of arts initiatives and organisations in Kāpiti.

This Arts Sustainability Fund also supports Kāpiti arts and cultural communities to create and sustain inspirational and aspirational initiatives in the visual, performing, and cultural arts.

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About the fund

The Arts Sustainability Fund is designed to:

• support the development and long-term sustainability of arts initiatives and organisations in Kapiti.
• provide the opportunity for Kapiti arts and cultural communities to create and sustain inspirational and aspirational initiatives for the Kapiti Coast District, in the Visual, Performing, and Cultural Arts.

Funding is primarily for multi-year (maximum three years) initiatives or as seed-funding grants to artists and arts organisations, to meet those aspirations.

This grant is focused on supporting new initiatives, or those not previously supported by Council, that show potential to grow and become self-sustainable over the next three years.

Preference is given to new initiatives, but we may consider existing projects where there is a new activity proposed.

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Timeline

The Arts Sustainability Fund will open in April 2025 for projects starting from 1 July 2025. We welcome enquiries at any time, and encourage early contact to discuss your proposal and the application process. 

Applications open
12pm, Monday 28 April 2025 – All applicants to speak to us by 20 May 2025 and before they apply.

Application close
5pm, Wednesday 28 May 2025 

Selection panel meet to decide recipients
Tuesday 10 June 2025

Applicants formally advised of decision
Friday 27 June 2025

Payment of grants
From 1 July 2025

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Funds available

The Arts Sustainability Fund will have $34,000 allocated annually to support new arts initiatives contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the Kāpiti Coast. The actual amount available each year depends on how much is committed to projects in a particular financial year. This round there is $17,700 available in 2025/26. 

Grants are for around $8,000–$10,000 for each year, with a maximum of three years. 

Funds are allocated to multi-year initiatives, or seed-funding grants to artists, arts organisations, or cultural groups supporting:

• cultural and social well-being – contributing to a vibrant and sustainable arts presence on the Kāpiti Coast
• economic well-being – helping raise the Kāpiti Coast’s profile as an arts destination regionally and nationally
• environmental well-being – promoting the arts to help raise environmental awareness and profiling heritage stories in Kāpiti.

Applicants will need to clearly articulate how funding will support their alignment with Council’s purpose for this fund.

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Who can apply

The fund is open to:

• artists, arts organisations, or individuals who are based or resident in Kāpiti
• not-for-profit organisations wanting to develop arts activities or programmes to reach certain audiences
• Iwi organisations or other groups focusing on development of Ngā Toi Māori
• educational institutions (for schools, this must be for programmes or activities outside the curriculum).

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Funding criteria

Initiatives, activities, and programmes must:

• be in the Kāpiti Coast District
• be new initiatives or activities that haven't received Council funding before
• run for three years or more (Council funding will not extend beyond three years)
• showcase the Kāpiti arts scene to a local, regional, or national audience
• be aligned with Council’s strategic priorities for the arts in Kāpiti
• have potential to build to a major ongoing initiative or activity.

Proposed initiatives may include online activities that benefit the Kāpiti Coast's arts sector.

An example of initiatives that would be considered include:

• programmes that support sustainable careers in the arts
• developing ongoing visual or performing arts programmes highlighting themes and stories of the environment and the district.
• regular concert series or arts workshops (including for social wellbeing outcomes).
• establishing a cultural performing or other arts group.

What is not eligible?

One-off projects that are not intended to be long term.

• existing projects where there is no new activity or initiative being planned
• existing projects that have already received Council funding.
• projects for individuals such as training courses, unless there is a clear community outcome, for example, training in an arts form leading to ongoing performance or teaching programmes in the Kāpiti Coast District.
• school curriculum-based projects.

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How to apply

Before you complete or submit your application, email the Climate Action & Connected Communities team to discuss your project or application.

Applications are open Monday 28 April 2025 for funding in the 2025/26 financial year. However, you can approach us to discuss your proposal or idea at any time.

While we prefer electronic applications, hard copies will also be accepted. You can apply by:

• Complete the application form online
• Download the PDF form [PDF 198 KB], and send it back to us at:
  [email protected]
  post: 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu 5032, New Zealand

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Reporting

Successful applicants will need to provide a summary report each year they are funded for, on dates agreed at the time the grant is awarded.

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Recipients 2024/25

The assessment panel for this fund has awarded a grant to one recipient in 2024/25. 

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

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