Have a creative idea that will inspire or involve the Waipā community? It’s time to bring it to life with
applications for the Creative Communities Scheme now open.
Whether you are a filmmaker, musician, dance performer or artist, if you have a creative dream,
now is your chance to make it happen. There is $56,500 up for grabs across the two 2025/26 funding
rounds, thanks to Creative New Zealand.
One group to recently benefit from the fund was the Cambridge Scottish Country Dancing Society,
which launched A Cambridge Ceilidh and Musicians’ Workshop.
Scottish Dancing School Organiser Antanas Procuta said the funding allowed the group to put on an
affordable community event where locals could try Scottish dancing and experience dancing to
traditional ceilidh music.
“Both the music and dance workshops were a success; it was great to see the energy in the room -
everyone really got into it and had fun while doing so!”
“Being able to introduce local people to ceilidh dancing, and others to build on their musical skills, in
a comfortable and enjoyable setting was a real highlight,” Procuta added.
Ready to apply? Your project just needs to meet one of the three funding criteria: Encouraging youth
engagement, access and participation in the arts, and/or diversity.
Grants typically range between $500 and $5000, with a committee of representatives in the arts
sector assessing applications and allocating funding.
Whether you paint, perform, weave or sing, your project could be next in line for support – apply
now before the Creative Communities Scheme closes on Tuesday, September 30.
To find the funding criteria and application form, visit - waipadc.govt.nz/creativecommunities
