Creative funding opens for local art projects
Hauraki creatives, community groups and artists are being encouraged to apply for the next round of Creative Communities Scheme funding, with applications opening on Monday 10 August 2026.
The Creative Communities Scheme supports local arts projects that bring people together, celebrate cultural diversity and encourage young people to take part in the arts. Funding is available for a wide range of creative projects, including visual arts, music, theatre, dance, literature, Māori arts, Pacific arts, workshops, performances, exhibitions and more.
“The creative sector in Hauraki is full of energy, ideas and aroha for our communities,” says Jo Tisley, Creative Communities Assessment Panel Chair. “This funding helps people turn those ideas into real projects that bring colour, connection and creativity to our towns and places.”
Hauraki District Council says the scheme is one way Council can support a thriving creative sector and help local creativity continue to grow. Arts and culture play an important role in strong, connected communities — helping people share stories, learn new skills, celebrate identity and bring vibrancy to local places.
“Creative projects do so much more than entertain — they bring people together, support wellbeing and help build pride in the places we call home,” says Hauraki District Council Group Manager Community Development and Regulatory, Peter Thom. “We’re proud to support opportunities that help local creativity grow and make Hauraki an even better place to live, work and visit.”
Recent Hauraki projects supported through the scheme show the strength and variety of local creativity. Funding has helped bring arts activity into communities through events such as Christmas at the Lake, the Hauraki Cultural Festival, Youth Theatreworks Waihī after-school theatre classes, the Ngātea Youth Music Recording Project, Turua School’s values murals, Arts in Town, Matariki creative projects, waiata and harakeke wānanga, story time, dance, music, theatre, creative workshops and kaupapa Māori arts projects.
Applications are open to individuals and groups. Projects must take place between 1 October 2026 and 30 September 2027 and should meet at least one of the scheme’s priorities: involve the community, celebrate cultural diversity, or encourage participation by young people under 18.
Applications close at 4pm on Friday 11 September 2026.
To find out more, check the eligibility criteria and apply, visit the Creative Communities Scheme page on the Hauraki District Council website.
