Creative New Zealand is New Zealand’s national agency for developing the arts. The Creative Communities Scheme is one of the ways Creative New Zealand fund a broad range of arts projects in local communities.

Before applying for the grant, please read the Creative Communities Scheme Guide

• Creative Communities Scheme Applicant Guide (pdf, 606.8 KB updated 24-Feb-2021)

If you have already received funding from the Creative Communities Scheme for a project, you must complete a report on that project before making another application, unless the project is still in progress.

Please note we have recently changed to running two rounds per year. For 2026 this means the last meeting for the calendar year will be 10 September 2026.

To view our current rounds view SmartyGrants

Closing and Decision Dates

Further Information

Last updated: 06 Jul 2026