Local arts funding backing local creativity in Whanganui

More Whanganui artists, rangatahi and community groups are bringing creative ideas to life, thanks to a key funding pathway that supports our local arts ecosystem. 

Delivered by Whanganui District Council and funded by Creative New Zealand, the scheme helps more people take part in and create art across the district. 

This financial year, 29 workshops, exhibitions, festivals and creative projects were supported across a wide range of artforms, including music, visual arts, Ngā toi Māori, dance, and community events. 

One funded project, Rangatira te Tū by Te Puna Hāpai, received funding in 2025. The programme supports rangatahi to explore their creative potential through digital arts workshops. Grounded in local identity and storytelling, the workshops aimed to help young people build skills and express their own narratives. 

Grant recipient and lead educator for the project, Ngareta Patea, says the strong uptake was a highlight. “While the programme aimed to engage 15 rangatahi, we reached 40 across two kura. It showed just how strong the appetite is for creative opportunities like this.” 

She added, “Working with ‘at-risk’ rangatahi gave them a space to express themselves, build confidence and feel a sense of belonging. Embedding tikanga Māori was key to that engagement.” 

Local art studio, Whanganui Creative Space, has also been supported through the Creative Communities Scheme. Group treasurer, Linda Keith, says the funding helps remove barriers for their artists. 

“Our studio welcomes artists with many different abilities. The grant allows them to take part in events like Artists Open Studios and exhibitions without financial barriers, giving their work the chance to be seen and make an impact.” 

Mayor Andrew Tripe, says the fund plays a key role in making the arts more accessible. 

“The fund is a key support for local arts activity, projects, and emerging artists in New Zealand because it is so accessible,” says Mayor Andrew. 

“It’s often someone’s first experience applying for funding, which helps open the door to new ideas and wider participation in the arts.” 

Creative New Zealand provides funding to councils across the country to deliver the scheme locally. Whanganui receives $43,571.40 (GST excl) each year, split across two funding rounds. 

Funding decisions are made locally. Applications are assessed by a panel of community members with experience across music, literature, visual arts, event management, Ngā toi Māori and film, alongside iwi representation to ensure tikanga and local perspectives are reflected. 

The panel has also identified priority gaps in the local arts ecosystem, including literature, Pacific arts, object art and craft, and Ngā toi Māori, along with a need to better support diverse cultural artistic traditions. 

The next round of Creative Communities Scheme funding opens in early August.