Creative Communities Scheme
The Creative Communities Scheme is a partnership between Whanganui District Council and Creative New Zealand to promote local arts projects.
Everybody is a Treasure Trust
Photography workshop at the library
Shakespeare in the Park
Merchant of Venice cast standing on set at the Bason Botanic Gardens
Flowers for Palestine collaborative embroidery project organised by Renata Szarvas
Whanganui celebrates International Jazz Day 2025
Thelonious Tree children's show by Undergrand
Application dates
Open: Monday, 4 August 2025
Close: 12pm, Friday, 5 September 2025
For projects that take place between 6 October 2025 to 6 October 2026
Application process
Crafting your project
When project planning, we recommend reading the Creative Communities application guide(PDF, 982KB). 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
All applications must be done using the official form, which you can download here(PDF, 982KB)
You can submit your completed application form in one of the following ways:
- email – send it to the creative community advisor
- post – mail it to:
Attn: Creative Community Advisor
Whanganui District Council, PO Box 637, Whanganui 4541
- online – start, save, and submit your application form and supporting material online. (The link to the online application form will be added closer to the opening date.)
For further information on this fund, email the creative community advisor
Recent grant recipients
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Brass Whanganui
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$5000 for Sound Canvas
An inter-arts performance which showcases local visual arts, music and poetry, storytelling to create a memorable arts experience.
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Caroline Ward
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$2492.85 for Aunty Shady's Femme DJ Club
A six-week entry-level course for locals to practice DJing skills to increase the representation of women, non-binary and non-males in the DJ scene. This will culminate in a performance for the public.
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Mat Merle
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$3992.85 for Sensory Circus Show
A circus performance for disabled people, particularly special needs children. The show will include entertainment which avoids bright lights, loud noises and crowds, to be catered to those with neurodiverse conditions.
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Rānana Māori Committee
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$3000 for Ngā Manu Kōrero 2025
A speech competition for secondary school students across Whanganui-Taranaki based at Rānana Marae. The competition involves oratory competitions in te reo Māori and English languages, and this year marks 60 years since the competition’s inception.
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The Glow Show Company Ltd
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$2300 for MATARIKI GLOW SHOW
Large scale touring glow-in-the-dark show for children celebrating Matariki 2025 at the Royal Whanganui Opera House.
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Whanganui Community Arts Centre Trust
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$1500 for Past, Present and Future
Free workshop series for all ages to celebrate 35 years of art making at the Whanganui Community Arts Centre. The workshops will be guided by experienced practitioners sharing their skills.
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Whanganui Competitions Society Inc
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$2000 for PerformAble
An inclusive drama and movement programme delivered at Community House Whanganui for students with special needs, fostering creativity, confidence, and social skills.
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