Bringing arts to our communities

Last Updated : 22 Nov 2024
Theatre performers
Some of the dancers behind Feral, a Tāmaki Makaurau performance made possible by the Creative Communities Scheme.

Auckland’s Creative Communities Scheme is open for applications. 

Whether you’re an artist, performer, cultural or community group, a Creative Communities Scheme grant can give your project new energy and visibility, says Auckland Council’s Regional Funding Advisor Marion Prebble.

“It supports creative projects anywhere across the Auckland region – on beaches, in parks, community halls, theatres, streets and galleries,” she says.

Funded by Creative New Zealand and administered in partnership with Auckland Council Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau, the Creative Communities Scheme encourages communities to make arts and culture an enriching part of everyday life for Aucklanders through art, music, dance, film-making, toi Māori, Pacific arts, weaving, writing, poetry and theatre.

There are two funding rounds each year in Tāmaki Makaurau, with an average grant of $5,000 per project.

Last year’s partnership between Auckland Council and Creative New Zealand supported 214 community arts projects, enabling 292,910 people from across the region to enjoy the arts and expand their creative experience.

Rangatahi dancers rehearse for Feral.

Feral, a dance show created by rangatahi dancers in motion.

Helping rangatahi creativity shine

Dancer and actor Chance Ruby received a Creative Communities Scheme grant of $2,723 last year for her project Feral.

She brought together more than 30 young dancers, who worked with seven experienced choreographers to create, rehearse and present a high-quality performance for a Tāmaki Makaurau audience at TAPAC.

The project was aimed at dancers aged 14-18-years-old, who are looking to pursue a career in the arts. Feral gave them an opportunity to share their stories with each other, while uplifting the young dancers and reigniting their love of creative performance following a difficult few years of isolation for some through Covid.

How can I apply?

If you have an idea for a creative project, Auckland Council and Creative New Zealand encourage you to apply before applications close on 2 March 2025.

Younger people (under 18) can apply with a signature from their guardian.

If you have any questions about your project and how to apply email creative.communities@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz 

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