Applications for funding creative projects open now

Individuals and groups who have eligible art projects can, from today onwards, apply for funding through the New Zealand Creative Communities Scheme.

The scheme, funded by Creative New Zealand and administered by individual district and city councils, is aimed at increasing participation in the arts at a local level and expanding the range and diversity of arts available within the district.

Ōpōtiki District Council’s Mercedes Neems administers the Ōpōtiki District scheme. She said in previous years, the funding had helped several projects around the town and provided benefit to local artists and contributed to an active and vibrant community-arts scene.

Projects such as art, dance, drama, literature, music, seminars, workshops and community art and cultural events may be eligible.

“Projects could, for example be, a hapū creating new tukutuku, whakairo or kowhaiwhai for their marae, rangatahi creating a mural or street art, or seminars to help local artists grow, develop and network. The opportunity exists for our community to engage in something cool, meaningful, connected and fun,” Ms Neems said.

There is approximately $13,000 to allocate this round.

Funding applications are considered by an assessment committee made up of dedicated representatives from the Opotiki district.

Applications close on 2 May 2024 for projects starting after 10 May 2024.

Details including application forms, criteria and guides are available on our Creative Communities Scheme page.