Creative Communities Scheme – Upper Hutt

The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) is a local arts funding programme run in partnership between Upper Hutt City Council and Creative New Zealand. It supports arts and culture projects that directly benefit Upper Hutt communities.

Round 1 2026–2027 is open from 5 October to 2 November 2026. Round 2 dates are yet to be confirmed.

Your project must have an arts or cultural focus, take place within Upper Hutt City boundaries, and benefit local communities. Projects must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Create opportunities for local communities to engage with and participate in arts activities
• Support the diverse arts and cultural traditions of local communities
• Enable and encourage tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people) under 18 to engage with art

Who can apply?

Individuals or groups can apply. Individuals must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. If you've previously received CCS funding, you'll need to have submitted a satisfactory completion report before applying again (unless that project is still in progress).

What can funding cover?

• Materials for arts activities or programmes
• Venue, costume, or equipment hire
• Short-term staff and administration costs
• Promotion and publicity
• Food provided during the project to show manaakitanga (hospitality)

What isn't covered?

• Ongoing administration costs unrelated to the specific project
• Projects already started or completed
• Travel costs to performances or exhibitions elsewhere
• Equipment purchases (cameras, instruments, lights, etc.)
• Competition entry fees, prize money, or judges' fees
• Royalties, artwork purchases, fundraising costs, or debt

Assessment Panel meeting: Thursday, 19 November 2026 at 4.30pm. Applicants can speak directly with panel members — presentations are limited to five minutes, so arrive on time.

Outcomes will be notified within 5 working days of the panel meeting. Successful applicants receive payment within 20 working days of notification.

Once your project is complete, you must submit a Project Completion Report within two months. Timely, satisfactory reporting is essential if you plan to apply in future rounds.

For questions about eligibility, contact Mel Smith (Community Partnerships) at funding@uhcc.govt.nz. Application guides are available in both English and Te Reo Māori.