​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Contact

Search

Creative Communities Scheme

Multiple paint brushes

Round 1 of the Creative Communities Scheme 2026/27 is now open! Apply by 5 October 2026.

Find more details below.

South Waikato District creative communites nz logo

The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) is a partnership between Creative New Zealand and South Waikato District Council.

The CCS, jointly funded by South Waikato District Council and Creative New Zealand, provides funding to support a wide range of arts projects under the following art forms: craft/object arts, dance, inter-arts, literature, Māori Arts, multi-artform (including film), music, Pacific Arts, theatre and visual arts. Please refer to the glossary of art form definitions.

The purpose of the scheme is to increase participation in the arts at a local level and increase the range and diversity of arts available to communities.

If you would like some more information about the scheme and how to apply, require assistance with completing applications or to discuss your particular project, please email: CCS@southwaikato.govt.nz or phone 07 985 3131.

Applications are now open!

Round 1 of 2026/2027 is open from: Monday 3 August until Monday 5 October 2026.

Paper application forms can be collected from South Waikato District Council:

  • Council Head Office, 1-5 Torphin Crescent, Tokoroa
  • Jim Howland Centre (Putaruru Library
Download the CCS Application Form (PDF 335KB)

Drop-in sessions

Need more guidance on what you can apply for and how to apply? Talk to Mandy McCabe from South Waikato District Council to find out more.

  • 11 August - Putāruru Library | 1pm till 3pm
  • 12 August - Tīrau - The Dog | 11am till 12pm
  • 25 August - Tokoroa Library | 1pm till 3pm

If you would like to organise a one-on-one session, please make an appointment by emailing Mandy at:
CCS@southwaikato.govt.nz

Creative Communities Scheme Application Guide

Creative Communities Scheme - Completion Report

Join our panel!

We are looking for people to help assess the applications for the Creative Communities Scheme funding. If you know what's happening on the local arts scene, have experience in an art, and are culturally knowledgeable, please download the application form below!

Send it to ccs@southwaikato.govt.nz by 5pm Friday 28 Sept 2026 or drop in to an SWDC office building.

Download the panelist application form

FAQs

Round 2 - 2025/2026

Round 2 opened 5 January 2026 and closed 6 March 2026 at 5pm for paper applications, and midnight for digital (email and online) applications.

Round 1 - 2026/27

Round 1 opens 3 August 2026 and closes 5 October 2026 at 5pm for paper applications, and midnight for digital (email and online) applications.

You can be an individual or a group. Individuals must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. The following costs could be covered by the funding grant, up to $5,000:

  • Materials for arts activities or programmes
  • Venue or equipment hire
  • Personnel and administrative costs for short-term projects
  • Promotion and publicity of arts activities

Read more details over on the Creative NZ website here:
Creative Communities Scheme | Creative New Zealand

Share this

Share this page

Sharing...