Funding and Opportunities
Each year, the Whau Local Board supports creative projects that bring people together through art. Through ArtsWhau, these projects celebrate what makes the Whau unique, share our many voices and create opportunities for everyone to experience and participate in the arts.
What area does ArtsWhau funding cover?
Not sure if you’re ‘local’ to the Whau, or whether your project will take place in the Whau?
The Whau Local Board area includes New Lynn, Green Bay, Kelston, Rosebank, Avondale, New Windsor, Glenavon and Blockhouse Bay. Find out more about the Whau Local Board
What are we looking for?
We’re looking for projects that bring together a strong creative idea and meaningful community impact. Your project should:
- have a strong creative idea at its centre
- meaningfully involve the local community and/or respond to local stories, places or themes
- have strong connections to the Whau
- create a meaningful community outcome
- be led by a local creative, community group or someone with strong connections to the Whau
- take place in the Whau Local Board area between October 2026 and June 2027.
Who can apply?
Individual artists and creatives, community groups, art collectives and organisations can apply.
You don’t need to be an established arts organisation or experienced grant writer. If you have a creative idea and a connection to the Whau, we’d like to hear from you.
What can the funding cover?
Funding can contribute towards project costs such as:
- artist and creative fees
- project management
- materials and production costs
- venue hire
- access support
- promotion and communications
- manaakitanga.
In previous years, ArtsWhau has supported between 12 and 21 projects each year, with funding ranging from around $300 for a small workshop to $10,000 for a multi-week, multi-artist project.
Need help with your idea or proposal?
Your Whau Community Arts Broker, Jody Yawa McMillan, works alongside local creatives and communities to develop ideas, make connections, bring projects to life and support the arts to thrive in the Whau.
You don’t need to have your proposal fully worked out before getting in touch. I’m here to support you through the process, from ‘idea’ to application.
Get in touch to kōrero:
broker@artswhau.org.nz
Jody: 021 245 3232
- You can also get inspired by artists and creative projects ArtsWhau has supported previously.
- For more information about community arts practice in Aotearoa, check out the Creative New Zealand Community Arts Toolkit.
Ready to apply?
The form below will ask you about your creative idea, community involvement, project details, budget and any support you need from the Arts Broker.
Proposals are due by 11.59pm on Monday 7 September 2026.