Creative Communities Scheme – Clutha District

Clutha District Council, in partnership with Creative New Zealand, administers the Creative Communities Scheme to support arts and cultural projects that benefit communities across the Clutha District.

Funding is available to individuals, groups, and organisations for projects that align with at least one of these priorities:

• Access and participation – creating opportunities for local communities to engage with and take part in arts activities
• Diversity – supporting the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of local communities
• Young people – enabling those under 18 to engage with and participate in the arts

Eligibility

Projects must take place in the Clutha District, benefit local communities, not have started or been completed before funding is approved, and be completed within 12 months of approval. Supporting documents such as quotes and letters of support are required.

Funding

Allocations are normally between $200 and $5,000, with no upper limit on applications.

2026/27 Funding Rounds

• Round 1: closes 6 September 2026
• Round 2: closes 28 March 2027
• Additional round: closes 20 June 2027 (if required)

Past recipients have included community theatre productions, wānanga, mural workshops, lantern festivals, art lessons for school-age students, and spaces for neurodivergent kids.

For questions or help with your application, contact the Creative Communities Scheme administrator at help.desk@cluthadc.govt.nz.