Creative Communities Scheme
Creative Communities Rotorua is a partnership between Creative New Zealand and Rotorua Lakes Council. The scheme's main focus is to stimulate and provide support to arts and culture projects which:
- encourage community involvement in the creative arts; or
- support the diversity and cultural traditions of local communities, enriching and promoting their uniqueness and cultural diversity; or
- enable and encourage young people (less than 18 yrs.) to engage with and actively participate in the arts.
Round 1 - 2026/2027:
Open 1 August 2026, closes 5pm, 26 September 2025, for creative arts projects that commence after 1 November 2026 and are completed before 31 October 2027. Digital applications (email and online) will meet the closing date provided they are time stamped no later than 11.59pm.
Round 2 - 2026/2027:
Open 1 January 2027, closes 5pm, 5 March 2027, for creative arts projects that commence after 1 April 2027 and are completed before 31 March 2028. Digital applications (email and online) will meet the closing date provided they are time stamped no later than 11.59pm.
If you would like some more information about the scheme and how to apply, require assistance with completing applications or to discuss your particular project, please contact communityfunding@rotorualc.nz
Applications and Completion Reports
Paper application forms
- Rotorua Lakes Council Customer Centre, 1061 Haupapa Street, Rotorua
- Rotorua Arts Village, 1240 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua
Downloadable application forms and reports
- Application guide - (PDF, 1.8MB)
- Application Guide – low ink - (PDF, 154KB)
- Creative Communities Scheme Application Form - (PDF, 618KB)
- Creative Communities Scheme Application Form - (DOCX, 76.5KB)
- Creative Communities Scheme - Completion Report - (PDF, 725KB)
- Creative Communities Scheme - Completion Report - (DOCX, 91KB)
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Submitting applications
Completed applications should be sent to communityfunding@rotorualc.nz. Please enclose any other relevant attachments (e.g. financial accounts, letters of support). Alternatively you send via post to:
Creative Communities Scheme
Rotorua Lakes Council
Private Bag 3029
Rotorua 3046
Creative Communities applicant guidelines in multiple languages
English - (PDF, 1.3MB) | Māori - (PDF, 308KB) | Chinese Traditional - (PDF, 1.1MB) |
| Korean - (PDF, 1.2MB) | Fijian - (PDF, 1MB) | Hindi - (PDF, 1MB) |
| Niuean - (PDF, 1MB) | Samoan - (PDF, 1MB) | Tuvaluan - (PDF, 1MB) |
| Tokelauan - (PDF, 1MB) | Tongan - (PDF, 1MB) |
Creative Communities Rotorua Assessment Committee
The committee membership term is three years with the possibility of serving a second 3yr term. As members are not elected in the same year, the committee always retains some experience.
The current committee is made up of community representatives: Harry Chhagan, Jo-Anne La Grouw, Karisma Vala, Alison Perrin with Council representative Karen Barker and Te Tatau o Te Arawa representative Kahutapeka Ututaonga completing the committee.
If you are interested in serving on this committee, please complete the Nomination form below or email communityfunding@rotorualc.nz
Nomination forms for Creative Communities Rotorua Assessment Committee (DOC, 158KB)
