The Creative Communities Scheme funds local projects that give people the opportunity to engage and participate in the arts.
Funded by Creative NZ, the Creative Communities Scheme encourages local communities to make arts and culture part of their everyday life. The scheme is open to community groups, and individuals, for all art forms.
For more information on what projects are eligible, read our guidelines for the Creative Communities Scheme.
When to apply
The next funding round for the Creative Communities Scheme will be open from Wednesday, 9 April to Wednesday, 30 April 2025.
Creative NZ has an Application Guide for more information on how to apply.
Funding available
Approximately $20,000 is available for the Creative Communities Scheme for the April/May funding round.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be active in the Whakatāne District.
- Funded projects and activities must benefit people within Whakatāne District.
Applications for the Creative Communities Scheme must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Access and participation – the project will create opportunities for local communities to engage with and participate in arts activities.
- Diversity – the project will support the diverse arts and cultural traditions of local communities, enriching and promoting their uniqueness and cultural diversity.
- Young people – the project will enable and encourage young people (under 18 years) to engage and actively participate in the arts.
For a full list of eligibility criteria, see our guidelines for the Creative Communities Scheme.
Funding Committee panel
Funding decisions are made at our Community Funding Committee meeting by our Funding Panel. The Funding Panel is made up of three Councillors and three to four community representatives who have a background in and understanding of the arts.
Find out more
For more information on the Creative Communities scheme, contact our Community Funding Advisor on 07 306 0500 or email grants@whakatane.govt.nz.