Funding

FUNDING

We connect artists with funding grants primarily through Nelson City Creative Communities schemes.

Arts Funding

We are currently accepting applications for the third round of funding, for projects taking place between mid-December 2025 and mid-April 2026. Please submit your application by 11th November for consideration.

Please download an application form and guide. Email completed forms to our Community Arts Manager,
Lloyd Harwood : lloyd@acn.org.nz


Pātai or questions? Get in touch with Lloyd for help with your application: lloyd@acn.org.nz.
A hard copy of the application form is available to pick up from Refinery ArtSpace, 114 Hardy St, Nelson.

Nelson City Creative Communities Scheme

Apply for a grant to support a creative project in Nelson City, that benefits the community.

There are three funding rounds each year. Groups or individuals can apply to fund projects that meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Broad Community Involvement - the project will create opportunities for local communities to engage with and participate in arts activities.

  • Diversity - The project will support the diverse arts and cultural traditions of local communities, enriching and promoting their uniqueness.

  • Young People - The project will enable and encourage young people (under 18) to participate and engage in the arts.

Grant are allocated up to $1,500, although projects requiring greater assistance will be considered.

Arts Council Nelson administers the Nelson City Creative Communities Scheme on behalf of Creative New Zealand and Nelson City Council.

How to Apply

DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION FORM
DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION GUIDE

Closing Dates for Applications:

11th of March – for projects taking place between mid-April & mid-August.

11th July – for projects taking place between mid-August & mid-December.

11th November – for projects taking place between mid-December & mid-April.

Funding decisions are usually confirmed within five weeks from closing dates.

Grant Allocations for 2024/2025:

  • NZ Choral federation $1,400, NZ Bands $1,000

  • Toy Murchie $400

  • NAATA Indian Community $1,000

  • Audrey Anderson $2,102

  • Nelson Community Venues $1,000

  • Karen Oertly CFFW $2,501

  • Arts Council Nelson $1,400

  • Vicki Smith & Community Artworks $1,800

  • NZ Highland Dance $800

  • NZ Organ Association $1,000

  • Commotion Youth Music $2,000

  • Eva Vogt Kerer $500

  • Rosa Coutts $1,000

  • Arts Council Nelson $1,000

  • Kathaleen Bartha $1,000

  • Monica Pausina $500

  • Nelson Community Potters $500

  • Piece of Work Productions $1,000

  • Breffni O’Rourke $1,000

  • James Risner $365

  • Karolina Gorton $1,000

  • Alliance Francaise $1,500

  • Health Action Trust $920

  • Vicki Smith $1,000

  • Nelson Jazz Club $1,000

  • Alicia Rocha $820

  • Āwhio $2,500

  • Cultural Conversations $1,050

  • Tasman Broadcasting Trust $1,200

  • Magenta Creative Space $1,410

  • Ministry of Inspiration Amy Cornelissen $1,928

  • NCG – Whānau Ārahi $1,500

  • Nelson Festivals Trust $2,150

  • New Zealand Organ Assoc $950

  • Pasefika Arts & Culture Collective $1,400

  • Rock Quest Charitable Trust $2,000

  • Tell Tales Collective $1,550

  • Zoe Dee $1,500

  • Pablo Salas $1,745.