Creative Communities Scheme

The scheme helps to fund local arts projects that:

• create opportunities for local communities to engage with and participate in arts activities
• increase and support the diverse arts and cultural traditions of local communities, enriching and promoting their uniqueness and cultural diversity
• enable and encourage young people (under 18 years) to engage and actively participate in the arts.

New Plymouth District Council’s CCS is open for applications twice a year. Successful applicants usually receive a grant of $500 to $2500.

Application dates

• The next round of applications will be accepted 19 September to 19 October 2026.

Apply

Things to know before you apply

Read the Creative NZ CCS Application Guide to find out if your project is eligible, learn about the application process, and get some handy tips for your application.

Our committee and local priorities

The NPDC Creative Communities Advisory Committee is made up of Councillors and members of the community who are passionate about our thriving arts scene.

Our current committee members are Councillor EJ Barrett, Elliot Collins, Councillor Dinnie Moeahu, Jennifer Halli, Mako Jones, David Pope and Carla Russell.

Alongside the criteria set by Creative New Zealand, our committee has identified local priorities to support their decision-making for the next round. These priorities are a guide only and don’t impact on eligibility, but they might inform how you develop your application.

• Locally generated projects: these are projects that have local ideas, communities and creators at their heart
• Projects that support growth: these are projects that carry forward mātauranga, uplift the next generation of creatives, and have a long-term vision
• Projects with tangible community outcomes: these are projects where there is a clear impact for audiences and participants

Not sure where to start?

Creative Taranaki offers support with the Creative Communities funding process and understanding priorities and criteria.

Drop-in session: Learn more about what can and can’t be funded and how to make a start on your application. This is a casual session hosted by NPDC Community Development Advisor Chanelle Carrick and Creative Taranaki’s Arts Coordinator Megan Symons, perfect for anyone who is new to Creative Communities funding.

• Wednesday 23 September
  Drop in any time from 4.30-6pm
  Daily News Café on Level 1, Puke Ariki Library
   

One-hour funding clinics: Access helpful one on one guidance on draft application content in person, online or over the phone. Contact Megan Symons from Creative Taranaki to book your spot at artscoordinator@creativetaranaki.org

Funding lab: Facilitated by funding consultant Valerie Barraclough, this is a practical session to receive feedback and fine-tune your application before submitting. Contact Megan Symons from Creative Taranaki to book your spot at artscoordinator@creativetaranaki.org

• Tuesday 13 October
  5.30-7.30pm
  New Plymouth (venue to be confirmed)

Successful applicants