Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) helps to fund local arts activities. Gisborne District Council distributes the funding in Tairāwhiti and we have 2 funding rounds each year. There is $42k annually and most CCS grants are under $2k.
Can I get funding for my project?
Yes if your project creates opportunities for local communities to engage with, and participate in local arts activitites such as:
- performances - community choirs, dance groups, theatre companies, musicians, poets etc
- workshops - such as printmaking, writing, dancing
- exhibitions by local craft groups promoting weaving, pottery, carving etc
- festivals featuring local artists
- creation of community film or a public artwork by a community
- artists residencies involving local artists or communities
- seminars for local artist development
- creation of new tukutuku, whakairo or kowhaiwhai for a local marae
Your project must also
- take place within Tairāwhiti
- be completed within 12 months of funding being approved
- benefit local communities
- not have started or finished before CCS funding is approved
- not have already been funded through Creative NZ's other arts funding programmes.
- materials for arts activities or programmes
- venue or equipment hire
- personnel and administrative costs for short-term projects
- promotion and publicity of arts activities
- Fundraising activities
- Developing galleries, marae, theatres or other venues or facilities
- Local council projects
- Projects which are mainly focused around other areas such as health, education or the environment and that only have a very small arts component
- Arts projects in schools or other education institutions that are the core business of that institution or that are normally funded through curriculum or operating budgets
CCS festival funding
The CCS Festival Fund is a one-off funding boost from government. It's to support established festivals that celebrate the life experiences, stories, cultures and regional identities of New Zealanders, that continue to be impacted by the effects of Covid-19.
To apply your festival must have been delivered at least once in the previous 5 years (this may include digital presentation). You just need to include evidence of previous delivery in your application.
For this fund, a festival involves an integrated programme of events and activities featuring one or more artforms, from any cultural tradition that takes place within a defined area or region over a designated period of time.
To apply, fill in the CCS application form and state that you're applying for the festival funding.
Cyclone Gabrielle
Creative New Zealand acknowledges the significant and ongoing impact Cyclone Gabrielle has had on our region and that artists and arts practitioners are among those who've lost homes, studios, artwork, equipment, materials and tools.
There is funding available to purchase replacement tools and equipment. Historically ‘these items were not eligible for Creative Communities funding, but this recognises that these are extraordinary times for our community.
Application form and closing dates
Funding applications close on the last Friday of February and August.
For more information on the criteria and eligibility of Creative Communities Funding