Funding is available for documentary and archival projects about New Zealand arts and artists, within the range of artforms we support.
We have additional guidelines and advice for some types of arts activity. Check to see if any apply to your application.
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.
Funding is available for the following activities:
- presentation of new or remounted, excellent and innovative New Zealand art and New Zealand work, including contemporary Māori or Pacific arts
- community arts projects and events
- presentation and transmission of Māori customary arts and Pacific heritage arts
- commissioning, co-production and/or development of small-scale innovative work.
A multidisciplinary arts festival is one that takes place within a defined area or region over a designated period of time. It involves an integrated programme of arts events and activities that features at least two different artforms of any cultural tradition.
Funding is available for New Zealand-based Māori or Pacific arts festivals that provide opportunities for:
- the presentation and transmission of Māori customary arts or Pacific heritage arts
- commissioning or employing New Zealand artists to create and present work
- community arts projects that focus on professional artists working with communities or have regional or national significance
- presenting and promoting New Zealand work that engages new and diverse audiences
- workshops, wānanga, fono, forums, master classes, seminars and other opportunities for creative and/or professional development for New Zealand artists and practitioners.
Funding is available for published New Zealand writers to present and promote their work at a New Zealand literary festival or as part of the literary component of an arts festival. The organiser’s application should be for a specific component of the budget, e.g. New Zealand writers’ fees or New Zealand writers’ travel or accommodation costs.
Funding is available for Pasifika community groups to attend festivals in the Pacific to learn about heritage arts.
A strong application would show that the group will:
- be attending workshops or other forums to gain vital skills and knowledge not available in New Zealand
- be passing on these skills and knowledge to their communities in New Zealand
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.
Travel from New Zealand
If you are based in New Zealand, you are eligible to apply for the cost of traveling overseas from New Zealand only if the New Zealand Government travel advice permits international travel at the time you submit your application.
If the travel advice changes to ‘do not travel’ after you’ve submitted your application, we reserve the right not to fund the travel, or the project, at our discretion.
Visit www.safetravel.govt.nz and read the COVID-19 advice and specific country information before submitting an application.
If the government advice is ‘do not travel’, but you still intend to travel:
- At our discretion, we may support costs incurred where the project is taking place
- You will need to find other financial means to cover the travel-related costs, e.g., flights, travel insurance, visas.
- Creative New Zealand will not fund the cost of quarantining or managed isolation in any circumstances, but we can support some COVID-19 related costs.
Travel within and between overseas countries
If you travel internationally from New Zealand, or are a New Zealand artist based overseas, and your project requires further travel within or between overseas countries, you must provide confirmation of the official travel advice from the government of the country you reside in and/or are travelling to.
Funding is available for New Zealand-based dealer galleries and craft/object designers and companies to participate in reputable international art fairs. The focus is on increasing the sale of New Zealand craft/object and visual artworks in offshore markets.
You can apply for up to $20,000.
Your application must include, as support material for the Process section of your application:
- An invitation from an international art fair (may be an online platform).
- An explanation of how this opportunity delivers to your international goals, including:
- what international success looks like for you
- evidence that you understand the risks and have strategies to mitigate them, including a contingency plan should the fair be cancelled
- promotional and networking/engagement activity plan
- information on the dealer gallery/designer’s track record of successfully presenting the work of New Zealand artists or designers at reputable art fairs OR, if a first-time art fair participant, evidence that the proposal is based on sound research and budgeting.
- Information on the long-term international career development goals of the featured artist(s) or designer(s). Include a statement on how participation in the fair will help achieve those goals.
- Quotes for travel costs, freight and insurance, if applicable.
We recommend attaching your international plan as support material. Here's a resource to help you develop your international plan: A guide to developing your international plan.
You can include international artists or designers as part of your presentation, but at least 50% of the works presented must be by New Zealand artists or designers.
You can include work from deceased artists, but the presentation must foster dialogue and create opportunities for contemporary New Zealand artists. Your application will need to describe how the presentation will do this.
Funding is available for international artist costs if there are direct benefits to New Zealand artists, practitioners or arts organisations. This includes projects where the international artist offers:
- Creative or professional development opportunities e.g., workshops, masterclasses, mentoring
- An artistic collaboration with a New Zealand artist
- Cultural exchange opportunities
We do not fund international artist costs if the main focus is to develop create, perform or exhibit their own work.
The application must be made by a New Zealand artist or arts organisation or an international arts organisation, but international artists cannot apply directly.
Authors and international festivals can apply to Arts Grants for support towards the author's participation in international book festivals or other international market development activity.
Grants can be used towards costs associated with engaging virtually, or flights and accommodation if travel is permitted at the time of application (check www.safetravel.govt.nz).
A strong application would include:
- Confirmation of your invitation.
- A clear explanation of how the opportunity will contribute to the author(s) career development and ongoing practice.
The International Promotional Fund for Literature, previously delivered on our behalf by the Publishers Association of New Zealand (PANZ), will no longer be offered.
However, we will partner with PANZ to manage international market development initiatives, such as publishers’ attendance at international book fairs and the translation of New Zealand titles into foreign languages. More information will be available on our International programme webpage in late August.
Artists and producers can apply to Arts Grants for support to attend an international market as professional development.
Grants can be used towards costs associated with engaging virtually, such as registration fees, or flights and accommodation if travel is permitted at the time of application (check www.safetravel.govt.nz).
A strong application would include:
- A clear explanation of how the opportunity will contribute to your career development, ongoing practice and international goals.
We will partner with the Performing Arts Network of New Zealand (PANNZ) to showcase work at international markets and the local market. More information will be available on International programme webpage in late August.
Funding is available for international professional development and study if comparable opportunities are not available in New Zealand.
Grants can be used towards course costs and other costs associated with engaging in the training virtually, or flights, living costs, and accommodation if travel is permitted at the time of application (check www.safetravel.govt.nz).
A strong application would include:
- Confirmation of your acceptance to the course or opportunity.
- Evidence that comparable opportunities are not available in New Zealand.
- A clear explanation of how the opportunity will contribute to your career development and ongoing practice.
Funding is available to support New Zealand artists to undertake international residencies.
Grants can be used towards costs associated with engaging in the residency virtually, or flights, living costs, and accommodation if travel is permitted at the time of application (check www.saferavel.govt.nz).
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.
You cannot apply for support towards a residency that is already supported by a Creative New Zealand funding programme or initiative (for example, Berlin Visual Arts Residency).
We provide funding towards the cost of international touring, presenting and exhibiting distinctive, high-quality art by New Zealand artists and practitioners.
- For costs to tour, present and exhibit internationally, you can apply for up to $50,000
- For commission, development and creation costs incurred in New Zealand or overseas, you can apply for up to $75,000.
You can combine these two categories to apply for a total of $75,000 (noting the $50,000 cap for international touring, presenting and exhibition costs).
Your application must include, as support material for the Process section of your application:
- A letter of confirmation from the host, presenter or partner which includes:
- evidence that they are contributing financially to the project, including fees
- information about the risk mitigations in place
- confirmation that the presenter has sufficient experience and resources to deliver the project successfully, including outlining their marketing and promotion plans.
- An explanation of how this opportunity delivers to your international goals, including:
- what international success looks like for you
- information about the work’s previous presentation track record
- evidence that you understand the risks and have strategies to mitigate them, including a contingency plan should the project be cancelled.
- Quotes for travel costs, freight and insurance, if applicable.
We recommend attaching your international plan as support material. Here's a resource to help you develop your international plan: A guide to developing your international plan.
We can fund projects that are non-fee paying, including performance which involve a box-office share arrangement. Applicants will be required to provide evidence that they have sufficient experience and resources to manage any risks as well as their own marketing and promotion plans.
We do not fund production costs for presenting New Zealand music, theatre or dance by an international company for an international audience.
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 for:
- crating and freighting the touring work within New Zealand
- generic marketing and promotion expenses for the tour
- publishing catalogues.
Funding is available for:
- travel, accommodation and fees for the artists and practitioners
- freighting of sets, props, costumes and equipment
- generic marketing and promotion expenses for the tour.
You will need to show how box-office income or other income generated from the tour will contribute to the other costs of the tour.
Funding is available for:
- travel, accommodation and fees of touring writers
- generic marketing and promotion expenses for the tour.
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.