Funding | Pacific Arts Committe | FAQ
The information on funding through the Pacific Arts Committee is available in a number of Pacific Islands languages - Pacific Arts Funding Programmes
This section provides an informal guide to making an application for funding from Creative New Zealand. It needs to be read alongside the current Funding Guide, which lists the funding programmes and priorities and has copies of the application forms. The Funding Guide can be ordered or downloaded on this site.
Common Questions
When is the next funding round?
Creative New Zealand has two funding rounds a year - applications close at the end of February and again at the end of July
What do I put in my budget?
For general guidance with preparing your budget please look at the Application Workbook (PDF, 3086K) or the draft application template. For more detailed budget help for specific artforms, look at the budget advice sections under the Arts Board funding section of the website.
When do I hear about the decision?
Three months after the funding deadline. So if you apply in the February round, you will hear back by the last week of May. If you apply in the July round, you will hear back by the last week of October.
You need to be planning well in advance so that you can apply for funding at least 6 months before your project is due to start. That overall plan can be part of your application and shows the Committee that you have a clear understanding of what is required and that you are able to deliver your project successfully.
Note: If your project starts within the three-month period after the deadline, it is likely that your application will be made ineligible.
Is there a formula for a successful application?
Make your application as clear as possible - state exactly what you want to do. You need to convince the committee that you have a coherent, well thought out project, and the ability to carry it through. The committee is looking at the artistic side of your project and the business and organisational sides.
You also need to meet the selection criteria as listed in the Funding Guide. The final decision will also depend on the funds available and the quality of other applications under consideration at the time.
What is meant by the "wider benefit" of my project?
The Committee needs to be confident that your project is of benefit to Pacific arts in New Zealand. The overall purpose of the Committee is to support projects which benefit Pacific peoples and allow non-Pacific peoples to experience our art as well.
What can I apply for and what funding programme do I apply under?
Work out where it best fits based on
- What you are trying to achieve and how
- Who benefits most from your project
- Which funding programme is most favourable to your project - i.e. your project matches the priorities
The Pacific Islands Arts Committee has four funding programmes; each programme is aimed at supporting various arts practise and activities. Each funding programme has a set list of priorities that your application will be assessed against. The more priorities your project achieves, the stronger the chance you have of being successful.
Heritage Arts - Funding Programme
This programme supports the participation of Pacific Islands peoples in their arts. For example: community based projects aimed at exchanging skills, running cultural workshops, cultural research activities, language resources, projects that directly encourage the maintenance of Pacific Islands culture and arts. The Committee is looking for projects that have a wide benefit to the community and expose as many people to these activities as possible.
Arts Development - Funding Programme
This programme supports the development of artists. For example: projects that offer training, hands on experience, creation of new work (eg writing a play or recording a CD), doing something that no one has done before, working collaboratively with other artists, workshops, residencies. An opportunity to take fresh approaches to arts practice.
Arts Promotion - Funding Programme
This programme seeks to develop the profile of Pacific Islands arts and artists For example: the promotion or public performance of a project, exhibitions, festivals, overseas events that expose an international audience to quality Pacific arts.
Tangata Whenua links - Funding Programme
This programme focuses on Pacific artists or groups who wish to work with Tangata Whenua through arts projects. For example, weaving, craft or carving workshops, research into techniques, or a co-production with a Maori group.
What support material do I need to provide?
Support material is anything that will enhance your application. It will vary for different art forms and projects, but generally it is examples of your work - slides, photos, videos, CDs/tapes etc. It can also be letters of support from your community, local authorities, community leaders or any one who will benefit from your project.
How much should I ask for?
Be realistic and honest. First, break down each step of your project and work out the actual costs. List the other sources of income, including sponsorship. Identify how any grant will be used. Make sure your request is within the limitations of the Committee. Previous grants are published on this web-site and give examples of the levels of funding.
Note that the Pacific Islands Arts Committee has an annual budget of $320,000 and the average grant over the past three years is $5,500.
How do I get further advice?
Read all the booklets that Creative New Zealand publishes to get a better idea of what the aims of the organisation are.
Talk with someone who has received a Creative New Zealand grant, and get some tips on how they developed their project.
Always ring and ask the advice of the adviser well before you submit your application, to make sure you're heading in the right direction. The Arts Adviser is there to offer support where possible.
Case study
'Me myself and I Productions' have come up with the fantastic idea, which the world needs to see and which all three of us believe is important for other people to see this show called "I've got a fantastic idea".
The project involves other Pacific artists and will take place at a local community hall. If it is successful we will take the idea to other communities around the country.
Step one - I plan out the whole project, working out what is involved and how long will it take to develop the project. Then I can start approaching other artists and my local community to discuss my project and gauge their interest and support. I ring up the Pacific Islands Arts Adviser to see what he thinks of the project and he is very helpful. He is sending me a Funding Guide with all the information and an application form.
Step two - The funding deadline is one month away and my project is planned to happen in eight months time. Because my English is not very good I ask around to find someone who is willing to help me put my application together and explain the details of my project. I'll give it to a few people to read to see if they can understand what I'm trying to achieve. Then I will submit my application to Creative New Zealand a week before the deadline.
Step three - It takes a while to hear back, so while I'm waiting I'll try and find other people who can support my project. I've got a cousin who works for the Department of Internal Affairs, so I'll give her a ring and ask.
Step four - The letter has arrived and we all sit round the table staring at it for about an hour. Then I open it YES the application was successful.
Step five - Now I can go ahead and start my project as planned. The hard work now begins.
Committee
The committee that considers your application includes:
Pele Walker (Chair)
Reverend Suamalie Iosefa (Tuvaluan)
Tiso Fiaola (Tokelau)
Albert Refiti (Samoan)
Ema Tavola (Fijian)
Taniela Vao (Tongan)
A Cook Islands and Niuean representative will be announced shortly
Adviser
For further information contact:
Tarisi Vunidilo
Programme Advisor - Pacific Arts
Arts Development Team
PO Box 1425 Auckland
Email: tarisi.vunidilo@creativenz.govt.nz
Phone: 09 354 4863
