Help boost Palmy's potential with the Creative Communities Scheme
Published on 05 February 2025
Are you passionate about the arts? Do you have a project that could add something special to Palmerston North's vibrant culture?
Funding is now open for the second round of our annual Creative Communities Scheme, a partnership between Palmerston North City Council and Creative New Zealand that could help bring your artistic vision to life.
One of the recipients of our most recent round of funding was Hot Spot Improv, a project to help members of the community learn and perform improvised comedy theatre.
Coordinator Ryan Knighton says the Creative Communities backing they received from our last funding round helped participants learn how to do on-the-spot comedy improv and perform it in front of an audience.
“The project aimed to engage our local community through improv theatre providing opportunities for personal growth, social connection and artistic expression. With the help of Creative Communities we were able to offer workshops for the general public to try improv, and put on a season of shows, showcasing talented local performers trying a new style of improvised performance."
He says the funding support meant they could offer the workshops for free and tickets for the shows at an affordable price.
As for the process to apply for funding, Mr Knighton says it was empowering.
"Applying felt very accessible. To apply with an idea that has merit for the community and then pitch it to a panel who are also passionate about the arts and Palmerston North was very encouraging. There was a real focus on creativity and sustainability."
Hot Spot successfully met one of the Creative Communities’ primary goals of connecting the local community to the arts, with 39 people taking part in the Hot Spot workshops and 487 attendees who came along to the shows.
Mr Knighton says supporting the arts is not just about funding performances, it’s about investing in the cultural and emotional wellbeing of our community.
“The arts provide a vital outlet for expression, connection and community building. They offer a space where people can come together and find joy in creativity – but also forget about the pressures they’re facing and just have a laugh.
“Hot Spot has demonstrated the profound impact that accessible and inclusive arts initiatives can have on our community. By offering free workshops, affordable performances and opportunities for local talent to shine, we’ve not only entertained but also fostered a sense of belonging and pride among participants and audiences alike. We’ve done something truly special here and are grateful for the opportunity to share that with over 500 people.”
The Creative Communities scheme provides funding to local arts projects that create opportunities for people in Palmy to participate, support the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of our local communities and encourage under-18s to engage with the arts.
To be eligible for funding, your project needs to have an arts or cultural focus and take place within Palmerston North City Council boundaries. Applications are open from 3 February to 3 March.
For help preparing your application, check out the Creative Communities Scheme Application Guide on our website: Creative Communities Scheme