Taupō District Council / Creative New Zealand
Grassroots arts funding for community projects in the Taupō District, supporting participation, cultural diversity, and youth engagement.
The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) is a partnership between Creative New Zealand and Taupō District Council that funds grassroots arts projects across the Taupō District. It's designed to support creative work that brings communities together — whether that's a community choir, a youth-led film, a kapa haka festival, a street art event, or a collaborative mural.
There is approximately $39,000 available annually from Creative New Zealand, distributed across two funding rounds. This financial year, Taupō District Council is also contributing a one-off additional $50,000, bringing the total pool to $89,000.
Funding rounds open for one month at a time (typically March and September). The next round opens 1 September 2026 and closes 30 September 2026, with decisions made in November 2026.
Who can apply?
Individuals, community groups, schools, and organisations based in or running projects within the Taupō District are welcome to apply. Projects must:
What does the fund support?
Projects that boost community participation in the arts, celebrate cultural diversity (including Māori, Pasifika, migrant, and disability arts traditions), and engage young people. Past recipients have included kapa haka festivals, music workshops, street art festivals, weaving projects, film productions, photography clubs, and theatrical performances.
How to apply:
Applications are submitted online through the Taupō District Council Funding Portal. You'll need a bank account statement, a project budget, your latest financial statement (if applicable), and two quotes for any significant expenditure. Late or paper applications are not accepted.
The Creative Taupō Committee makes funding decisions. You may choose to attend the decision meeting to answer any clarifying questions.
For questions about eligibility or the application process, contact the Community Arts Coordinator at ac@creativetaupo.org.nz or the grants team at funding@taupo.govt.nz.
