24 July 2026
Applications are now open for the next round of the Creative Communities Scheme, a $45,000 fund that supports local arts activities through a partnership between Gisborne District Council and Creative New Zealand.
The fund is available twice a year and supports projects with an arts-based outcome that can be completed within 12 months of receiving funding.
Council Cultural Activities Manager Pene Walsh says the variety of projects shows the multitude of talent and creativity across the region.
"The committee has a difficult job each round because the quality and diversity of applications are always outstanding.”
The scheme is highly competitive, with applications often exceeding available funding by three to one. Last financial year, 29 projects received grants ranging from $380 to $5,000, with the average grant around $1,650.
Successful applications align with one or more of the scheme's priorities: access and participation, diversity, or young people. Funded projects in the last year have included dance, theatre, music, visual arts, multidisciplinary arts, craft workshops and customary Māori arts.
“We aim to support as many projects as possible, helping bring arts experiences to performers, creators, makers, participants and audiences across Tairāwhiti," says Ms Walsh.
“We’re excited to see what local creatives put forward for projects beginning later in the year.”
Applications for this funding round close on Friday 31 August.
Find out more about the Creative Communities Scheme, check eligibility requirements and apply online.
Successful projects from the last two rounds include:
- Whenua to Fire – pottery group workshops
- Diwali Festival of Lights – Indian dance festival
- Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary – celebration of a cult classic
- He Timatanga Hou Gathering – workshops teaching weaving with flax
- Love Your Blood exhibition – paintings and mixed media animations
- Festival of the Arts 2025 - multi-disciplinary arts for young people
- Elevating Music Video – creating a video for a music single
- He Aha Turanga – producing a locals news show on social media
- Smash Summer Sesh – gig including local and national acts
- Secondary Schools Orchestra Intensive – workshop using experience tutors
- Māmā Maker – creative workshop for mothers
- Affordable Art Exhibition – for local artists to present and sell
- Te Hapara School Residency – arts facilitators teaching Year 6 children over 3 days
- Big Blues Warm Up – celebration concert Rangatahi/Youth Gig – gig to showcase youth music talent
- Whiti - Te Tūranganui a Kiwa 10th Indigenous Arts Gathering – international exhibition
- Rautīonge – wānanga focused on development and application of peha Wahine
- State Highway 35 Residency – music and drama for year 11-13 students at Ngata College
- SHREK The Musical – theatre show
- Light & Colour-Stained Glass Workshops – teaching workshop series
- Smokefreerockquest & Smokefree Tangata beats tairawhiti 2026 –for high school musicians
- Shepherdess - 16mm artist film about female shearers on the East Coast
- Unheard Corridors – sound art exhibition and online series
- The Personal Billboard Project – community fabric printing workshop
- 2026 Five Films for Freedom – international short film festival showing
- Whakakai! Adornment – workshop series for contemporary jewellery and wearable art
- A Resident Big Band for Gisborne – phase 2 increase rehearsal, visibility and access
- Nga Mata-a-Nga Ariki Kaiputahi Celebrations – community wānanga for 2 days
- Raranga Harakeke – teaching and creating flax art
Photos: Creative Communities funding has supported a range of local artisits and events like Gizzy Local’s, Affordable Art Exhibition, and Centre Stage Theatre Group’s, Shrek the Musical.