Contestable Funding

Creative New Zealand distributes about $9 million each year in contestable funding to support projects that develop New Zealand arts, artists and arts practitioners.

What is contestable funding?

Contestable funding is a competitive process. Artists and arts organisations apply to us explaining their proposed project. We fund applications that meet all our criteria, show strong artistic merit and help achieve our strategic goals for the arts. 

For information and resources on how to apply, see How to apply for contestable funding.

Types of grants and investments

We provide support via four different types of grants and investments:

• Quick Response Grants
• Arts Grants
• Arts Investments
• Sector Investments

There are three different funding bodies:

• Arts Board
• Te Waka Toi
• Pacific Arts Committee

Each body can provide funding for any type of grant or investment.

Meeting our criteria

The grant or investment suitable for your project depends on:

• the purpose of your project and the type of activity it involves
• the timing of your project: when it will happen and how long it will take to complete
• how much funding you intend to apply for.

For more information about the four types of grants and investments, see Types of grants and investments.