Tairāwhiti lovers of the arts have more to choose from thanks to the bi-annual Creative Communities Scheme funding initiative.

Twice a year Gisborne District Council calls for applications for a grant from the $45,000 pot available to help with grass roots arts projects. Twenty-four projects received support in the August and February rounds with grants ranging between $700 and $3000. In total 34 applications requested $119,000, far more than the available pūtea.

The successful grants covered the full range of arts including theatre (six), customary Māori arts (three), dance (two), visual arts (two), music (eight) and multidisciplinary arts (three).

Council’s cultural activities manager Pene Walsh says while the amounts given through the initiative are not huge, even modest funding can spark meaningful impact. “Whether you’re a performer, a creator, a maker, a participant or an audience member – you may benefit from this fund,” she said.

Funding for the next round closes on the last Friday of August. The scheme supports and encourages local arts activities and is a partnership between Council and Creative NZ. Every year CNZ provides money to councils to assist small arts projects covering broad community involvement, diversity and youth with a focus on the arts.

The successful projects from the last two rounds are –

Waharoa Opening Day – customary Māori art, storytelling and waiata

Gisborne Competition Society Festival of the Arts – multi-disciplinary arts for young people

He Timatanga Hou Gathering and Weaving Group – customary Māori arts

Diwali Festival of Light – Indian dance festival

School holiday music programme - music and circus arts

Aotearoa Surf Film Festival – free outdoor film night

Dream Big, Pen to Mike – creative music workshop for rangatahi

Shattered Dreams documentary update – filming and editing

Tutored figurative and life drawing – seven workshops

Sleeping Beauty pantomime – musical comedy theatre

Mozart Magnificence – musical performance

Sister Act – musical theatre production

Hau Kainga Exhibition – customary Māori arts

Waiora: Te Ūkaipo – theatre production

Smokefreerockquest Tairāwhiti 2025 – contemporary music competition for rangatahi

Toi Pūrākau: My Story in Motion – art and storytelling through animation

Gisborne Big Band – establish a swing band to develop young musicians and singers

Five Films for Freedom – international LGBTQIA+ film event

State Highway 35 Residency – music and drama residency for rangatahi of Tolaga Bay

Bad Jelly the Witch – theatre production

Matariki Glow Show – theatre puppetry

Annual dance competitions – tap, ballet, modern, hip hop, musical theatre and lyrical

No Frills: One story, Two Actors, Infinite possibilities – theatre improvisation show

More Creative Communities Scheme information and application forms Council’s website.

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