The Creative Communities Scheme is a partnership between Whanganui District Council and Creative New Zealand to promote local arts projects.
Flowers for Palestine
Flowers for Palestine collaborative embroidery project organised by Renata Szarvas
Music wānanaga by the Community Led Development Trust
River City Filipino Club 2023 cultural performance
Everybody is a Treasure Trust
Photography workshop at the library
To the Front Adult Rock Camp 2026 by Girls Rock Aotearoa
Application dates
Open: Monday, 3 August 2026
Close: Friday, 4 September 2026
For projects that take place between 2 October 2026 to 2 October 2027
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 community activator 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)
How to apply
All applications must use the official form. This will be available a month out from the funding round opening.
For further information on this fund, email the community activator
Recent grant recipients
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LYRiCAL
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$1464.46 for LYRiCAL x NToTA Rangatahi Reachout Workshops
A programme of multimedia collage, world building, and digital recording.
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Damn Raucous Band
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$3964.46 for "Walking Down the Street" music video
For a locally produced, vibrant music video with band performing the song "Walking Down the Street" and featuring Whanganui town.
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Ellen Young
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$2864.46 for Fun Palaces Whanganui
A collaborative and participatory event that democratises arts, culture and science. The event involves installations, performances and workshops for the public to enjoy.
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Ken Chernoff
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$1464.46 for The Other Orchestra
To provide a safe and regular musical environment in which people from the intellectually diverse community can express themselves freely and creatively.
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Sam Walters
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$1839.46 for Drewtopia
A multi venue music festival of local artists performing their original material along Drews Avenue in alignment with and supporting New Zealand Music Month.
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Sri Lankan Community of Whanganui
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$1337.28 for Gathering Light: Vesak kuudu workshops
A series of lantern-making workshops led by experienced makers in Whanganui’s Sri Lankan community, culminating is a collaborative display of light and generosity.
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Sue Cooke
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$1837.72 for Life Drawing Sessions
Sessions aim to upskill local artists in Whanganui by giving them an affordable opportunity to draw from life.
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Te Atawhai Ponga
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$3464.46 for 3CHAINZ - Playground Music Video
To build a collaborative music video which will bring together artists from Aotearoa’s music industry and showcase local Whanganui artists
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Tururangi Rowe
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$1589.46 for Te Ika Mātahi
A three-day marae-based exhibition in May showcasing carvings from Ngā Puna Waihanga, reflecting Whanganui iwi design traditions. The exhibition highlights freshwater species and honours Maru, guardian of the river, raising awareness of cultural identity, environmental stewardship, and our enduring relationship with Te Awa Tupua.
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Whanganui Creative Space Trust
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$1030.57 for Creative Space Exhibition
An inclusive group exhibition for artists from diverse backgrounds, including people experiencing disability, wellbeing challenges, or financial barriers. The exhibition explores monochromatic painting on black canvases.
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Whanganui Performing Arts
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$964.46 for 2026 Performing Arts Festival
A series of high-quality performing arts workshops for young performers in Whanganui to learn ballet, tap, modern dance and theatre and perform at the Royal Whanganui Opera House.
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