Creative Communities Scheme (CCS)

Creative Communities Scheme

The Creative Communities Scheme supports grassroots projects and events that encourage engagement in the arts. 

This fund is ideal for:

  • communities to share their unique arts and culture with Whangārei
  • young people to experience different art forms 
  • facilitating greater access to and participation in local arts activities.

The scheme is open to local community groups and individuals for arts activities in all its forms. Applications supported by this fund include cultural festivals, arts and crafts workshops, events showcasing young local musicians, pop-up exhibitions, Fringe Festival shows, and community art projects.

The Creative Communities Scheme has its own criteria set by Creative New Zealand. The fund’s application guide provides detailed criteria, advice for funding applications, and examples of suitable projects.

Applications to this fund are assessed by a panel of local art practitioners from across all artforms and backgrounds. We welcome expressions of interest in becoming an assessor when vacancies arise. Email us if you would like to be notified of the next intake.

Amount: The maximum amount applicants can apply for is $10,000.

Apply online

Step 1.Check criteria

See the Creative Communities Scheme application guide for full criteria.

Creative Communities Scheme Guide(PDF, 182KB)

Step 2.Prepare supporting information

You will need to provide these supporting documents with your application:

  • latest financial performance report (groups only)
  • bank deposit slip or similar (new applicants only)
  • quotes for expenses
  • letters of support (recommended)
  • any supporting information you think relevant to your application.

Step 3.Log into SmartyGrants

Log into our SmartyGrants portal using your credentials.  

If it is your first time using SmartyGrants, please read the help information below. You can find out about registering and also about creating a SmartyFile account to manage your organisational account.

SmartyGrants help

Step 4.Complete application

Fill in our online application form on our portal and upload any supporting documents.

SmartyGrants portal (wdc.smartygrants.com.au)

If you need help to complete the online application, please make an appointment with us:

Email: funding@wdc.govt.nz 
Phone: 09 430 4200

Funding rounds:

  • 10 January to 26 February 2025 – open now
  • June 2025 (dates to be confirmed)
  • September 2025 (dates to be confirmed)

Step 5.Assessment and decision

Eligible applications will be assessed by an independent panel of local community artists and practitioners.

Applicants will receive an outcome eight weeks after the funding round closes.