The Creative Communities Scheme supports and encourages local communities to create and present diverse opportunities for accessing and participating in arts activities within the Timaru District.

The arts are broadly defined as 'all forms of creative and interpretive expression'.

If you require a word version of the application form please contact  The Funding Team, 03 687 7200 or email fundingenquiries@timdc.govt.nz.

What may be funded

Applicant

• Individual (NZ citizen or permanent resident)
• Group
• Business

Projects must fit one of the 3 criteria:

1. Broad Community Involvement - Project will create opportunities for local communities to engage with, and participate in arts activities
2. Diversity - Project will support the diverse arts and cultural traditions of your local communities, enriching and promoting their uniqueness and cultural diversity
3. Young People   - Your project will enable and encourage young people (i.e. under 18 years) to engage with and actively participate in the arts.

In addition it must have:

• Arts or creative cultural focus
• Be completed within a 12 month of funding approval
• Take place or benefit communities within the Timaru District
• Not have started prior to funding being approved
• Not have already received funding for the same purpose from Creative NZ
• Take place in New Zealand

Projects that can be funded include opportunities for participation in dance, performance, visual arts, music, arts education, toi Maori, literacy workshops, digital storytelling and more.

What cannot be funded

• Activities without an arts focus eg speech contests, puzzles, upholstery
• Arts activities in educational institutions normally funded through the curriculum and operating budgets
• Projects that are the core business of an educational institute
• Projects that mainly deliver outcomes for other sectors, such as health, heritage or environment
• Facilities and Capital items eg fixed items, whiteware, floor coverings, furnishings, gallery and theatre lights, stage curtains, cameras, computers,  instruments, costumes or uniforms.
• Prizes
• Projects outside of New Zealand
• Catering Costs
• Travel for individuals to attend events, presentations or shows
• Fundraising projects
• Royalties
• Retrospective projects
• Debt servicing
• Artworks for Collections

Application Process

Very Important - A project cannot start before it has been assessed.

1. Submit a completed application form to the Timaru District Council before the closing date. Application forms are available from Council offices in Timaru, Geraldine and Temuka.
2. All applications will be acknowledged in writing.
3. Applications are considered by the Local Arts Scheme Subcommittee.
4. Successful applicants who are not GST registered will have the grant paid into a bank account within 2 weeks of the decision provided the required banking information is included with the application. Applicants who are GST registered will be asked to provide a Tax Invoice for payment.
5. Complete a project report form within 2 months of the completion of the project.

Closing and Decision Dates

Fund size

$36,750 annually (Approximately)

Further Information

Last updated: 13 Jan 2025