Find information here about the range of grants available for arts and cultural projects that support the strategic themes of Ara Toi Ōtepoti – Our Creative Future.
Arts and cultural initiatives contribute to a vibrant, exciting city and funding from DCC and Creative New Zealand contributes to a range of grants that support this creative activity. Ara Toi invites practitioners, organisations, and collectives to speak with staff about which grant is best suited for your project.
If you are thinking of applying for a grant, you are encouraged to contact Ara Toi staff well before you start an application. They can help you throughout the application process and can provide advice about eligibility, grants criteria, budgets and the best grant for your project. Staff are available throughout the year to answer any questions that come up; see contact details below.
Who to contact
For enquiries regarding any of the funding opportunities listed below, please contact Ara Toi Creative.
- Call: 03 477 4000
- Email: aratoi@dcc.govt.nz
- DM on Instagram: @aratoiotepoti
Arts Capability fund
NOTE: Changes were made to the OCT/DCC Arts Capability fund in 2024. Please read through the information below:
- this fund opens 31 May 2025 and closes 31 August 2025
- applications are submitted through the Otago Community Trust website
- the maximum amount that you can apply for is $7,500
- the funding pool has a total of $30,000 to allocate per annum
- applicants cannot apply for this grant in consecutive years, i.e., if your organisation received an Arts Capability grant in 2024, the next time you can apply is in the 2026 round.
Please contact Ara Toi staff if you have any questions about this.