Creative Communities Scheme (CCS)

The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) supports and encourages local communities to create and present diverse opportunities for accessing and participating in arts activities within their specific geographical area as well as for defined communities* of interest.

Whilst Creative New Zealand administers the scheme, applications for CCS funding are made to the Territorial Authority (local authority or district council) that runs the scheme in your area. For a list of CCS contacts across New Zealand, download the CCS Administrators list (doc 180kb).

* A community may be based around a place, a cultural tradition, or commonly held interests or experience.

Funding criteria

Generally, applications for CCS funding should fulfil one or more of the following:

• Broad community involvement – The project creates opportunities for local communities to engage with and participate in arts activities
• Diversity – The project supports the diverse arts and cultural traditions of local communities, enriching and promoting their uniqueness and cultural diversity
• Young people – The project enables and encourages young people (under 18 years) to engage with and actively participate in the arts. 

Delivery of the scheme

CCS funding rounds and how decisions are made may differ between areas because each Territorial Authority (TA) is able to run their local CCS scheme within guidelines:

• TA's can decide whether or not third parties are contracted to assess applications and allocate funds
• The total number of funding rounds in a TA area is a minimum of two and a maximum of four rounds

How to apply

Applicants wishing to apply for CCS funding should download the CCS Administrators list (doc 180kb) and contact their local administrator. The administrator can advise you on:

• funding rounds
• application forms and requirements
• assessment criteria
• details of any upcoming programmes and workshops in your local area on how to apply for funding.

Logos

Organisations who receive funding from the Creative Communities Scheme are required to use the logo in all published material related to the grant they received. Download the relevant logo.