Creative Fellowship Fund

The Creative Fellowship Fund supports artists and practitioners to step back from delivery and focus on developing their practice. Whether you want to experiment with new ideas, explore new approaches, or deepen your artistic thinking, this fund gives you the time and financial support to do it — without the pressure of producing something ready for public presentation.

You can apply for either $25,000 (supporting up to six months of work) or $50,000 (supporting up to 12 months). The funding is flexible — use it towards living costs, materials, and whatever resources you need. No budget is required in your application; the amounts are fixed.

Applications are open to individual New Zealand citizens or Permanent Residents, as well as groups of collaborators applying jointly. Arts organisations and groups are not eligible. If you operate as a sole trader or through a company, you still apply as an individual, though grant payments can be directed to your company's bank account.

There are two funding pools to choose from: a general arts pool, a Ngā toi Māori pool, and a Pacific arts pool — each assessed by relevant peer assessors. Assessors look at whether your proposal encourages creative risk-taking, supports your artistic growth, and is timely and crucial for where you are in your career. For $50,000 grants, they also consider how you'll share your learnings with others and how the work might evolve your practice or community.

If you identify as Deaf or disabled, you can claim an additional accessibility payment on top of your grant to cover related costs during the funded period.

You can also apply to the Creative Impact Fund in the same year, as long as you're not applying for the same activities or time period. The combined maximum across both funds is $125,000 within a 12-month period.

Applications are submitted through the CNZ Portal. Two rounds run each year — check the funding calendar for upcoming dates.