If you have an amazing creative idea, the Creative Communities Scheme may have funding available to bring it to life.

Each year Creative New Zealand provides funding to district and city councils to distribute in their area with the scheme supporting more than 1,800 projects every year.

Funding applications opened on 30 January and will remain open until Friday 27 February 2026.

The Creative Communities Scheme helps to fund local arts projects and increase participation across the arts sector.

To secure funding the application needs to demonstrate that the art project will create opportunities for local communities to engage with and participate in local arts activities.

Examples are performances, workshops, exhibitions, festivals and more.

The project should support the diverse artistic cultural traditions of local communities and enable young people (under 18 years) to engage with and participate in the arts.

Individuals and groups can apply for funding to help cover materials for art activities and programmes, venue or equipment hire, project costs, and promotion of arts activities.

Head to the Wairoa District Council website, wairoadc.govt.nz for an application form and guide.

18 February 2026

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