Creative New Zealand

Funding | Other funding and support | Creative Communities Scheme

Review of the Creative Communities Scheme

Creative New Zealand is beginning a review of the Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) to ensure that diverse arts activities continue to flourish in our communities.

Why is Creative New Zealand reviewing the Creative Communities Scheme?

This review of the CCS is one of a wider series of reviews that is intended to align Creative New Zealand's  funding to the four strategic priorities outlined in Creative New Zealand's three year Strategic Plan 2007-2010.  The first of these priorities is New Zealanders are engaged in the arts, which strongly acknowledges the importance of community engagement in the arts.

Also, much has changed in the local government environment, and more generally with community funding, since the CCS began fifteen years ago. Local government organisations have told us over time what works well with the CCS, and what doesn't - a comprehensive review will further Creative New Zealand's understanding of the scheme's administration and outcomes.

What are the terms of reference for the review?


The review will examine the purpose, delivery and effectiveness of the Creative Communities Scheme. The main areas of inquiry will be:
  • What benefits does investment in the Creative Communities Scheme currently deliver for Creative New Zealand, local authorities and local communities?    
  • How can the Creative Communities Scheme be enhanced to strongly deliver to Creative New Zealand's Strategic Priorities and purpose?
  • What are the options for improvements that will assist the Creative Communities Scheme to fully achieve Creative New Zealand's Strategic Priorities.

The review is being overseen by a reference group that includes members of Creative New Zealand's Arts Council, the Arts Board, Te Waka Toi (the Maori Arts Board), the Pacific Arts Committee and external representatives.

The review timeframe 

There are four stages to the review:

  • Stage one research through July and September 2008, including research on national and international models of best practice community arts funding, CCS data analysis, Territorial Authority surveys, case studies and interviews
  • Stage two will analyse and test findings, and develop draft options for the Arts Council and Arts Boards, through October and December 2008.
  • Stage three will involve targeted consultation on an options paper with those agencies concerned with the CCS, through January to June 2009.
  • Stage four will be the implementation of the review's final recommendations as agreed by the Arts Council and Arts Boards.

We will consult with affected parties on any changes to the CCS as a result of the review during 2009. We aim to implement the changes by 2010. Updates will be available here.

In the meantime, if you wish to discuss any aspect of the Creative Communities Scheme review please contact:

Mark Lindsay
Manager: Strategy
Creative New Zealand
markl@creativenz.govt.nz
DDI (04) 498 0728