Funding to commission new arts and culture podcasts.
This is a cross-organisation, co-funded initiative between Creative NZ, NZ On Air and RNZ based on the findings and recommendations of the research, New Mirrors – Strengthening arts and culture media for Aotearoa New Zealand
To address the national deficit in arts and cultural coverage as reported in New Mirrors, this fund represents a collaborative step towards investing in our ability to tell stronger stories about Aotearoa artists and their work.
Overview
Amount
$60,000 to $120,000
Artforms
Upcoming rounds are not yet confirmed. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates
Arts and Culture Podcast Co-Fund 2024
For activities taking place between:
1 Nov 2024 - 28 Feb 2026
Opened: 22 Jul 2024
Closed: 9 Aug 2024, 1PM
Results due:
22 Oct 2024
On this page:
- Who can apply
- What can be funded
- What to include in your application
- How to apply
- How we assess your application and make decisions
- Who to talk to
Who can apply
Artists or producers who are New Zealand citizens or Permanent Residents.
You do not need to have experience making podcasts to apply, but your application will be stronger if your team includes people with experience in content production.
You can submit a maximum of two applications to this fund.
What can be funded
Funding is available to commission new arts and culture podcasts, to go into development from November 2024.
Tell us what you think will make a great arts and culture podcast about artists and cultural life in Aotearoa.
Your idea could be narrative non-fiction, documentary or docu-drama, interview-focused or panel-based. It may have an underlying gimmick or framework, or be structured magazine-style with different segments. It could be episodic (with standalone episodes) or serial (following a main story arc). Episodes could be as short as 15 minutes, or run much longer.
Whatever the form, it should be conversational and intimate, and make for great ongoing listening. We want listeners to be eager to return for more - whether they’re into the arts, or new to the stories.
What's offered
A total of $250,000 is available through this fund. We expect that up to four podcasts will be funded between $60,000 to $120,000 each.
In addition, RNZ will provide production support, such as in-house studio space, editors and sound engineers, for successful projects if helpful.
We expect 10 to 20% of the funding to be used towards the development process.
Jana Te Nahu Owen (RNZ’s Māori Commissioner) and Rosabel Tan (New Mirrors co-author) will be strategic advisors to the successful projects. They will offer strategic advice and support for the development period in addition to the amount funded. This could include inviting mentors or facilitators to work with you. They will also be available to provide ongoing advice or feedback throughout the whole process from development to production as needed.
The platform
Podcasts will be published through RNZ’s platforms, broadcast on RNZ’s radio stations, and made available to RNZ’s content partners. We also encourage multi-platform distribution following a short exclusivity period with RNZ.
Producers will maintain their IP. RNZ Production Agreements require content to be licensed worldwide in perpetuity for all RNZ Platforms such as the RNZ/TAHI Website, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram channels and all third-party podcast apps, so keep this in mind when preparing your pitch.
RNZ’s editorial policies will apply, including final sign-off.
What to include in your application
Your application needs to include your response to the following four questions:
- What is the concept for your podcast and how may it develop over time? (Up to 2,500 characters)
You can include a couple of episode examples. - Who is the target audience? (Up to 1,000 characters)
- Why do you want to make this podcast, and why now? (Up to 2,500 characters)
- What format and duration do you see your podcast being? (Up to 1,000 characters)
Eg. Serial, episodic, 6 x eps, full series, 30/60 minutes.
You also need to tell us about the key people or organisations who will be involved in your podcast activity. Include brief details of the role they will play and their relevant experience. Don't forget to include yourself. (Up to 1,000 characters for each person and organisation)
You do not need to include a budget in your application. If you are shortlisted for the second stage you will be asked to provide a budget then.
How to apply
Apply using the online application form which is available in the CNZ portal when the funding round is open.
How we assess your application and make decisions
The assessment panel will be made up of representatives from NZ On Air, Creative New Zealand, and Radio NZ alongside Rosabel Tan and Jana Te Nahu Owen.
The assessment panel will consider the following criteria:
Creative merit
The quality of the idea, the creative ambitions and the risks being taken. The assessment panel will consider:
- Quality of idea, treatment, style, scripts
- Originality
- Creative risk – focusing on innovation in storytelling and genre
- The potential for this project to appeal to and impact its target audience
Creative team
The strengths of the team and their ability to meet the ambition of the project. The assessment panel will also consider whether the team are the appropriate people to execute the proposed subject matter.
Cultural, social and economic value to New Zealanders
The contribution the podcast will make to the arts and culture media landscape, building on the recommendations in New Mirrors - including whether the concept adds depth and diversity to what is already available and represents stories that might not otherwise be told. In addition, the assessment panel are particularly interested in:
- Strengthening coverage of ngā toi Māori
- Strengthening coverage in te reo Māori
- Strengthening coverage of Pacific arts
- Strengthening our criticism and reviewing culture
- Showcasing arts in the regions
- Reflecting the diversity of our arts, cultural and creative communities (this includes cultural diversity as well as representation of Rainbow and Disabled communities)
- Supporting producers from outside our main city centres in Aotearoa
Short-listed applicants will be notified on Friday 13 September and invited to take part in a kanohi ki te kanohi or zoom kōrero with the assessment panel in the weeks beginning September 23 and 30. Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide an indicative budget.
Decisions will be made by the assessment panel, who will use their best judgements while assessing against the intent of the New Mirrors report. They will also be guided by the following documents:
- Visibility Matters - Kia kitea ngā toi e te marea
- Creative New Zealand’s interim investment principles
- NZ On Air’s funding strategy
- Radio New Zealand’s charter
This opportunity is likely to receive a high number of applications and we will not be able to offer feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
Who to talk to
If you have any questions, email artspodcastfund@creativenz.govt.nz