Programa Comunidades Criativas – Rodada de Financiamento de 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 round of the Creative Communities Scheme, a $45,000 fund jointly administered by Gisborne District Council and Creative New Zealand. The scheme supports a wide range of arts‑based activities – from visual arts, dance and theatre to music, craft workshops and Māori customary arts – that can be completed within 12 months of receiving funding. Projects may receive grants ranging from $380 to $5,000, with the average award around $1,650. Eligibility is limited to creators, collectives or organisations based in the Tairāwhiti region, and proposals must align with at least one of the scheme’s priorities: access and participation, diversity, or youth engagement. Applications are submitted online and close on Friday 31 August 2026. Successful applicants will receive project‑specific funding to cover materials, venue hire, artist fees and other costs needed to deliver the proposed activity. The fund is offered twice a year, making it a recurring opportunity for local artists to develop and showcase their work.

grant funding up to $5,000 per project, support for materials, venue hire, artist fees, and other project costs; project duration up to 12 months

Open to creators, collectives or organisations based in the Tairāwhiti region; projects must have an arts‑based outcome and be completed within 12 months; proposals should address access & participation, diversity, or youth engagement.