Activities

Applications to support the cost of an artist creating new artwork for exhibition at a dealer gallery or for other commercial purposes should be made directly by the artist. The application must disclose the full extent of the support the artist will receive from the presenting gallery/partner for the proposed project. 

Creative New Zealand’s support for the Visual arts and Craft/Object arts is focused on activities or services that complement the activities and services covered by museums, galleries, tertiary institutions, dealer galleries. 

Arts Grants can support commercial/dealer galleries for the following activities: 

• Documentary, archival projects or the writing and development of high-quality publications focused on the arts in New Zealand. See Guidelines - Activities - Documentary and archival projects and Guidelines - Activities - Publishing. 
• Opportunities for independent artists’ professional development and artform discourse focused on New Zealand practice via national forums or symposia for example.
• Participation at international art fairs. See Guidelines - Activities - International activity

We do not support core business costs including, but not limited to: 

• New Zealand-based exhibition costs, including new work costs, installation, hospitality, marketing, travel and freight, etc 
• Overheads, including venue, administration, security, health and safety, and staff costs 
• Domestic art fairs 
• Research  
• The costs of establishing, operating, maintaining or developing the institution’s website.  

Funding is available to commission New Zealand artists to create new work for public presentation. You can apply for the artist’s costs to create the work.

A strong application would include:

• Details of the selection process and the artistic brief
• A clear description of the proposed work
• Confirmation of when and where it will be presented and by whom
• Artistic support material that illustrates the proposed work
• Confirmation of the artist’s availability
• A copy of the contract with the artist
• An explanation of how best practice copyright protection will be provided for the artist
• For public art commissions such as public sculptures and murals, a strong application would also include:
  • an explanation of how the project is consistent with the local or regional public artwork strategy (as published by the relevant local city or district council)
  • a letter from the relevant territorial authority confirming their interest in, and financial commitment to, the project
  • a long-term maintenance plan for the artwork

For music commissions, the Composers Association of New Zealand (CANZ) provides a range of useful advice and a sample commissioning agreement you can refer to.

Funding cannot be used for cash prizes.

This includes documentary films, but you cannot receive funding from the New Zealand Film Commission for the same project.

Submit your application under the relevant artform category, e.g. a documentary about a dancer should be submitted under the Dance category.

Funding is available to deliver arts festivals in New Zealand. The funding request must be for specific activities and events within the festival programme. Creative New Zealand will not fund the shortfall between budgeted income and expenditure, otherwise known as a shortfall budget.

To make best use of our funding we focus on specific artforms and we are unable to fund all creative practices, including film, screen, and content for television and radio. These are principally the responsibility of the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air and where Te Reo Māori is a focus, Te Māngai Pāho. For film/screen activities this includes funding for narrative-based feature and short films, television content, film/screen script-writing, film festivals, in addition to film and screen development activities including skills development. 

We support some film/screen-based activities where they are directly connected to the artforms we support such as: 

• Creating a work using digital and/or film-based skills and technologies within the artforms we support. 
• Documentary and archival projects about New Zealand arts and artists.  
• Moving-image projects – this can include fine art video projects, installations, and experimental multidisciplinary arts projects.  
• Visual recordings of original, high-quality New Zealand music that supports live performance, touring and artist promotion. 
• Visual recordings and documentation of live performance. 
• Community projects that include filmmaking as part of wider suite of learning programmes about the arts. 

Please note you cannot receive funding from the other government agencies above for the same phase of a project for which you are seeking Creative New Zealand funding.

Funding is available to support New Zealand artists, practitioners, and organisations to participate in international projects. This includes costs related to presenting your work to an international audience.  We reserve the right to decide whether to fund an international project, based on government travel advice and border control measures.

Funding is available for curatorial and other arts internships at established arts organisations.

We have minimum standards for internships. We seek to support:

• Internships that pay interns a fair wage of at least $25 per hour to emphasise the value of the intern, improve career sustainability, personal wellbeing and ensure equitable access to these opportunities for New Zealand’s diverse population. This is in line with our general remuneration guidance.
• Internships that are at arts organisations have the capability and capacity to appropriately support an intern and provide meaningful training within the internship i.e., the organisation can provide:
  • a clear position description for the intern with a defined role and responsibilities
  • appropriate supervision, mentoring and pastoral care
  • staff and/or Board members that can support the organisation’s delivery to cultural diversity and the intern
• Internships that are inclusive and support diversity across New Zealand’s arts sector – recognising that interns may bring cultural knowledge to a host organisation, but they should not be the primary means of the host’s delivery to cultural diversity. 
  Inclusiveness is supported:
  • in the way the opportunities are promoted
  • through appropriate cultural support and guidance from staff, management and/or Board members
  • through the programmes interns work on or are part of
• Internships where expectations of interns, hosts and contracted coordinating entities are established and agreed by all parties prior to the start of the internship.
• Internships that provide appropriate line-management and mentoring support for the interns within the host organisation, via external mentoring and via peer support.

Funding is available for writers and illustrators to research and write new work.

A strong application for a writing grant would include:

• A sample of several pages of the proposed work, rather than a previous piece of writing. The sample is indicative only and will not be assessed as a finished work.

A strong application for an illustrating grant would include:

• Up to three sample illustrations with accompanying text where appropriate.

Funding is available to support mentoring for New Zealand artists and practitioners.

A strong application would include:

• A clear description of the focus and timeframe of the mentoring
• Evidence that the mentor is prepared to be involved.

Funding is available for New Zealand artists to make recordings (audio and visual content) of original, high-quality New Zealand music that support live performance, touring and artist promotion. We also support the recording of sound art projects that have presentation outcomes.

We do not fund recording projects (audio and visual content) where the main purpose is to distribute the recording via retail or online platforms. These projects should be directed to NZ On Air or Te Māngai Pāho.

Creative New Zealand, NZ On Air and the New Zealand Music Commission share information on applications to ensure that there is no duplication of funding.

A strong application would include:

• An audio sample of the work to be recorded or other recent work
• An explanation of how the recording project will support live performance, touring or artist promotion
• An explanation of how the sound artwork will be presented to audiences
• A production timeline noting which parts of the recording project (e.g., mixing and mastering) you’re asking CNZ to support
• Confirmation from contributors
• A description of the target audience and distribution plans

Funding is available for podcasts about New Zealand arts and artists or the presentation of a New Zealand artwork. We’re interested in projects that contribute to the development of, or critical discourse about, the artforms we support.  

To make best use of our funding we focus on specific artforms, and we are unable to fund all creative practices and distribution channels, including content for television and radio. Creative New Zealand can support podcasts produced for public distribution through online digital channels.  

You’ll need to submit your application under the relevant artform category, e.g., a podcast about New Zealand literature should be submitted under the Literature artform.  

A strong application would include: 

• a promotion/distribution plan that identifies the online channels via which the podcast will be made publicly available  
• evidence of demand or support for the podcast  
• evidence of a track record of producing podcasts or similar 

Creative New Zealand does not support the same project phase already supported by other government agencies that provide arts and culture funding.

Applications to support the cost of creating new work for exhibition at public museums and galleries should be made directly by the artist. The application must disclose the full extent of the support the artist will receive from the presenting gallery for the proposed project.  

Metropolitan and regional galleries and museums and galleries under the auspices of a tertiary education provider, can apply for the following activities only:  

• Residencies for New Zealand artists  
• Internships for New Zealanders  
• Writing and development of high-quality publications associated with the arts in New Zealand 
• Opportunities for independent artists’ professional development and artform discourse focused on New Zealand practice via national forums or symposia for example  
• Crating and freighting of high-quality New Zealand works for touring exhibitions within New Zealand or overseas  
• Opportunities for international artists and curators to undertake high-quality projects in New Zealand that have clear benefits for New Zealanders and for visual arts practice in this country  

We do not support core business costs of a gallery or museum including, but not limited to:  

• Exhibition costs, including new work costs, installation, hospitality, marketing, travel and freight etc. 
• Commissioning of work that is to be part of a gallery or museum collection  
• Overheads, including venue, administration, security, health and safety, and staff costs 
• Research  
• The costs of establishing, operating, maintaining or developing the institution’s website
• Costs already funded by National Services Te Paerangi

Publishing subsidies are available to individuals, collectives, institutions or publishing companies for publishing projects that: 

• Demonstrate literary or artistic excellence 
• Contribute to New Zealand’s cultural life 
• Contribute to New Zealand arts development through critical discourse 

Strong publishing projects: 

• Involve New Zealand writers, illustrators or artists 
• Involve editors and designers who have a track record of producing high-quality work 
• Have cost effective ways to produce, distribute and promote the work 
• Can demonstrate that funding is necessary to make the project financially viable 

Applications to support artform publications – i.e. publications about New Zealand arts and artists – should be made under the relevant artform. 

How many publications can I apply for?

• Arts Grants: up to five print publications, journals, e-books and/or audiobooks per funding application, up to two applications per year. 
• Annual Arts Grants: between four and ten print publications, journals, e-books and/or audiobooks per annual application. Please check your eligibility for Annual Arts Grants before applying. 
• Toi Uru Kahikatea: between four and ten print publications, journals, e-books and/or audiobooks per year. 

What publishing costs can I apply for? 

Standard format publications and children’s picture books: up to $5,000 

A publishing subsidy is available for the production, marketing and distribution costs of print publications, journals and e-books. You can apply for an additional subsidy up to $5,000 if the publication is: 

• in te reo Māori or a language of the Pasifika peoples of New Zealand 
• a non-fiction work 
• an artform publication. 

Audiobooks: up to $5,000  

A publishing subsidy is available for the production, marketing and distribution costs of audiobooks. You can apply for an additional subsidy support up to $5,000 if the audiobook: 

• requires significant cultural knowledge and language skills i.e., is in te reo Māori or a language of the Pasifika peoples of New Zealand 
• is long i.e., over 10 hours 

Large format, heavily illustrated publications: up to $12,000 

A publishing subsidy is available for the production, marketing and distribution costs of large format, heavily illustrated print publications, journals and e-books. 

You can apply for additional support up to $12,000 if the publication is: 

• in te reo Māori or a language of the Pasifika peoples of New Zealand 
• a non-fiction work 
• an artform publication. 

You can also apply for fees for independent editors and writers if the publication is: 

• an artform publication 
• a print or online journal with multiple contributors 
• a multi-author anthology 

You can also apply for: 

• Te reo translation 
• Audience/market development activities that achieve funding programme outcomes.  

A strong application would include: 

• a sample of the manuscript or page proofs 
• an audio sample, if applying for an audiobook 
• reviews and sales data from previous publications 
• confirmation of a publishing partnership, if applicable 
• an explanation of how the author will be compensated (e.g. royalties, fees, licenses agreements, etc.) or a copy of the contract with the author 
• information about, and confirmation from, contributors 
• evidence that you have permission to use any copyright or licensed material 
• information about the format and print specifications of the publication (e.g. a print quote and a design quote) 
• a production timeline 
• a distribution strategy that clearly identifies: 
  • the market for the work 
  • the size of print run 
  • how the publication will be promoted and distributed, and to whom 
  • the number of complimentary copies and who you intend to give them to 
  • the number of copies for sale, whether through informal or established distribution channels 
  • the retail price (if applicable) 
• a budget that reflects all project expenses and income, including any expected sales income for the first 12 months, if the publication is to be sold 
• for music publishers, confirmation of whether you are a member of APRA (Australasian Performing Rights Association) or AMCOS (Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society). 

Funding is available to support New Zealand artists to undertake residencies in New Zealand.

You can apply to support the artist’s costs including stipend, travel accommodation and materials. Either the artist or the host can apply, but not both.

If the residency is at an educational institution, the application needs to show how the artist’s activity will be distinct from the institution’s ongoing educational programme.

You cannot apply for support towards a residency that is already supported by a Creative New Zealand funding programme or initiative. 

A strong application would include:

• A letter confirming the artist has been selected for the residency
• Evidence of the host organisation’s financial or in-kind contribution
• Evidence of the creative or professional development benefits for the artist
• Details of the intended focus of artist’s work during the residency
• Details of the host organisation’s curatorial emphasis or artistic direction
• Evidence of the quality of the residency programme.

Creative New Zealand defines ‘touring’ as involving three or more consecutive performances, presentations or exhibitions in different locations.

Funding is available for touring to venues, except for projects that have already received touring funds from Tour-Makers.

A strong touring application would include:

• Confirmation that the tour initiator has the services of an experienced and credible producer, curator or tour manager
• Evidence that there is audience demand. For instance:
  • that fees will be paid by a local festival, venue or gallery
  • that local groups will share in the cost or presenting the work
  • there was previous audience demand for the type of work
• Evidence that the production, exhibition or performance will be appropriate to the selected venue
• A sound marketing and promotional plan with clearly identified audiences
• A Covid-19 contingency plan

Funding is available to develop, re-develop or maintain websites and apps that:

• create, promote or distribute quality New Zealand artwork
• engage in artform development and arts criticism

You can apply for:

• Editorial and contributor costs
• The costs of placing work on the website
• Developer and designer costs
• Website hosting

A strong application would include:

• an explanation of how the website or app provides a unique experience or content, which fills a gap for your artform
• evidence of demand and support for the website – for example, a copy of the site’s monthly usage and visitor statistics for the previous six months
• information about how the website is being promoted to existing and new audiences
• information about the contributors and confirmation of their availability
• details of the functionality and purpose of the website, including a quote for the work from the website designers and developers, if applicable

Creative New Zealand supports arts projects by, with and for young people that complement what the education sector provides in delivery of the arts and ngā toi learning areas of The New Zealand Curriculum.

Core classroom programmes for students as part of the national curriculum are not eligible for funding, as they are the direct responsibility of schools.

What do we mean by arts by, with or for young people?

Arts activities by young people

This means arts activities that are driven, owned, created, programmed, presented or delivered by young people. It may involve the young people being mentored or taught by experienced artists. If there is a presentation outcome, it is likely to be specifically aimed at young audiences, their whānau and communities.

Arts activities with young people

This means activities where young people are actively involved or learn from the work of more experienced artists or organisations. It is about offering young people access to different artforms and arts organisations.

Arts activities for young people

This means activities by professional artists where the audience for the work is young people, their whānau and communities.

If you are applying for funding for a project by, with or for young people, the people working directly with young people should ideally:

• have received training or mentoring from an expert  in working with young people
• have an understanding of the role of the teacher, the curriculum (including how the activities contribute to or deepen students’ learning in relation to the curriculum) and how to work effectively with young people in educational settings

A strong application would include:

• a description of the characteristics and age/s of the target group
• an outline of the strategies and processes employed to engage with young people
• an explanation of how the project will be evaluated.

A strong application will also have considered:

• the extent of support from, and consultation with, the relevant community, host institution, school or other stakeholders
• how the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of young people involved in a project are recognised and, if appropriate, how cultural protocols will be followed throughout the life of the project
• how duty-of-care responsibilities have been considered – this includes appropriate adult to participant ratios; ensuring that young people are kept safe from harm; risk identification and management
• how the project has been communicated to the young people involved and their parents and/or caregivers, and how consent has been obtained
• how those working directly with young people have been screened or supported by a registered teacher/s.

If you are documenting a project (which may involve taking photographs of or filming young people), then you should seek permission to do this from the young people, parents and/or caregivers.