Creative Communities Scheme

Who can apply

• "Individuals must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents"
• "Groups, must be based in New Zealand"
• The project must "take place within the city or district where the application is made"
• The project must "be completed within 12 months of funding being approved"
• The project must "not have started or finished before CCS funding is approved"
• The project must support at least one of the three criteria: access and participation, diversity, or young people
• Auckland Council adds that projects must "have an art or creative cultural focus", "benefit local communities", "take place in Auckland" and "not already be funded by Creative New Zealand (Creative NZ)"
• Schools can apply, but only for activity beyond the curriculum: "Schools can apply for CCS funding to suppport arts activity in addition to the teaching programme... Applicants must supply a letter from the school principal stating that the activity or project is not part of the school's curriculum."

What it funds

• Local arts projects, festivals and performances
• Kapa haka, Pacific dance and cultural arts
• Young people's arts participation

Next round: Auckland Council Creative Communities Scheme 2026/27 Round Two, opens 1 October 2026, closes 14 February 2027

The questions on the form

We hold the funder's actual form. Here are the first 3 of 36.

1. Applicant Details, Name and contact detailsApplicant - are you applying as an individual or group/organisation?
2. Applicant's postal address
3. Phone number

Documents to have ready

• Bank account verification, "Bank deposit slip or other official printed document showing bank account name and number"; "All new applicants must provide bank confirmation details"
• Latest financial statement (groups/organisations), "This can be a copy of the audited accounts, an income and expenditure statement or a copy of the unaudited management accounts." Plus "your reserves statement or policy" if the group holds reserves not being used for this project
• Quotes, "Quote/s for contractor work and equipment/materials"; the national guide says "Attach detailed quotes for important items." Auckland Council lists "quotations for key costs (including the venue)"