Creative Communities Scheme
The Creative Communities Scheme is a partnership between Whanganui District Council and Creative New Zealand to promote local arts projects.
Actors from the Bugsy Malone Production at the Whanganui Repertory Theatre
Dancers performing at Diwali
Children's painting workshop along Cross Street
Dancers from the River City Filipino Club doing the Singkil Ensemble
The Flow Collective recording their concert and live album in the Royal Whanganui Opera House
Application dates
Open: Monday, 10 February 2025
Close: 12pm, Friday, 7 March 2025
For projects that take place between 7 April 2025 to 7 April 2026
Application process
Crafting your project
When project planning, we recommend reading the Creative Communities application guide(PDF, 2MB). It contains helpful information that is important to consider such as eligibility criteria and details to include in your application. Download a low ink/printer-friendly version of the guide here(PDF, 156KB).
It is preferred you discuss your project plans with the creative community advisor before submitting your application. They can answer any questions you may have, as well as offer advice on how to best frame your ideas on paper, and what additional supporting material is required.
Information is also available in a range of languages below.
- Chinese Traditional(PDF, 1MB)
- English(PDF, 1MB)
- Fijian(PDF, 976KB)
- Hindi(PDF, 1021KB)
- Korean(PDF, 1MB)
- Te Reo Māori(PDF, 962KB)
- Niuean(PDF, 976KB)
- Samoan(PDF, 993KB)
- Tokelauan(PDF, 978KB)
- Tongan(PDF, 1MB)
- Tuvaluan(PDF, 975KB)
Submitting your application
You may choose one of the following methods to submit your application and supporting material.
Please ensure the required support material is enclosed with your application.
For further information on this fund, email the creative community advisor
Recent grant recipients
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Brigid Bisley
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$2500 for In Return – Concert of original music by composer Brigid Bisley
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Community Music Aotearoa Trust
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$888 for Music Wānanga – Immersive one day wānanga for a rural school
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Ken Chernoff
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$1030 for International Jazz Day – Whanganui’s annual celebration of International Jazz Day highlighting jazz music's contribution to global culture through education and communication
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Lotus Women’s Group
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$1506 for Diwali 2025 – Festival of Light celebration including traditional dances by local performers
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Lyrical
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$1300 for Lyrical – A digital writing workshop pilot for young people to explore creative writing and technology
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Multicultural Council Rangitīkei/Whanganui
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$1749 for Race Unity Week – Craft workshops for different traditional art forms in collaboration with ethnic communities in our city
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New Message Media Ltd
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$1600 for Teen Regional Improv Launch – Empowering kids through cutting edge impov comedy theatre
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Renata Szarvas
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$1000 for Flowers for Palestine – A community embroidery project
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Talileleia of Samoa Entertainment Group
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$1500 for Samoan Craft and Costume – Craft sessions to deliver performance at Fest of Cultural Unity
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Te Aroha Pa
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$2000 for Whatu Muka Wānanga – A series of workshops to explore the fundamentals of te Toi o Whatu Muka
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Terry Sarten
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$1700 for Cultural Capital – A musical performance and film project to showcase local musical talent
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Undergrand
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$2812.70 for Thelonious Tree – A storytelling treasure hunt based on poetry and accompanied by live piano
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Whanganui Creative Space
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$700 for Artworks for Whanganui Open Studios Week – displaying local artists’ work over the weekend
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Whanganui Zinefest
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$1500 for Zinefest 2025 – A celebration of zines and DIY print culture in Whanganui
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