Creative Communities Scheme

What is the creative communities scheme?

Creative Communities Scheme supports and encourages local arts activities. It is a partnership between Porirua City Council and Creative New Zealand. Each year Creative New Zealand provides funding to city and district councils to distribute in their area. Any individual, group or organisation can apply.

Closing Dates

The closing dates for 2026 are:

Wednesday 8 April 2026 (Closed)

For projects between 1 June 2026 – 1 June 2027

Wednesday 7 October 2026

For projects between 1 December 2026 – 1 December 2027

What we fund

Your project must take place in Porirua and have an arts focus.

It also needs to meet one or more of the three funding criteria:

• Participation - create opportunities for local communities to engage with, and participate in local arts activities
• Diversity – support the diverse artistic cultural traditions of local communities
• Young people – Enable young people (under 18 years) to engage with, and participate in the arts

Creative Communities Brochure

Funding for local arts.

For more information on what can and cannot be funded please download the Creative Communities brochure [pdf, 1MB].

Who can apply

Individuals and groups can apply. Individuals must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

How to apply

To apply for the Creative Communities scheme please read the Creative Communities application guide.

Then download the application form below or pick up a copy from Pātaka Art+Museum.

• CCS Electronic Application Form [pdf, 358KB]
• CCS Handwritten Application Form [doc, 946KB]

Image: Jenny Siaosi Photography. What Dance Can Do NZ, 2023. Porirua East School Hall.