Arts Grants in New Zealand 2026
Artist Grants That Can Fund Website Creation
Did you know many arts grants in New Zealand can be used to fund the creation of a professional artist website? Programs from Creative New Zealand, regional arts funds, and local councils often support projects that help artists reach new audiences online. A well-designed website allows you to showcase your work, document exhibitions, and connect with collectors and galleries around the world.
Most New Zealand artists receive funding through Creative New Zealand or local council Creative Communities grants, so those are the most accessible grants to start with.
National Arts Grants
1. Creative New Zealand – Arts Grants
Funding: approx. $5,000 – $125,000
Supports:
Creating new artwork
Exhibitions and performances
Publishing and presenting work
Artists website creation
Artist research and development
Who can apply:
NZ citizens or permanent residents
Individual artists, groups, and organisations
Typical funding rounds:
February
July
October
These grants support projects that help artists reach audiences and build sustainable careers.
2. Creative New Zealand
Professional Development Grants
Funding: up to NZD $10,000
Often used for:
digital skills
website creation
online marketing infrastructure
Community & Regional Grants
4. Creative Communities Scheme
Funding: $500 – $10,000
Administered by local councils across New Zealand.
Supports:
Community art exhibitions
Workshops and public art
Artist-led projects
Funding rounds:
Usually 2–3 times per year
Regional Council Arts Funding (NZ Artists Only)
Many councils provide additional artist grants, including:
Auckland Council – Creative Communities Grants
Wellington City Council – Arts & Culture Fund
Christchurch City Council – Creative Communities Funding
Creative Waikato – Regional Arts Grants
Funding typically ranges:
$1,000 – $15,000
Summary of Key NZ Artist Grants
Grant | Funding |
Creative New Zealand Arts Grants | $5k – $125k |
Toi Māori Arts Grants | $5k – $100k |
Pacific Arts Grants | $5k – $75k |
Creative Communities Scheme | $500 – $10k |
Springboard Award | $15k |
Arts Foundation Laureate | $25k – $50k |
Perpetual Guardian Trusts | $1k – $20k |
Grants That Often Cover Artist Websites
Even if they don't say “website grant,” many programs allow funding for:
Artist portfolio websites
Ecommerce art stores
Online exhibitions
Digital catalogues
Audience development platforms
Mailing list systems
Funders increasingly recognise digital presence as essential for artists.
Why Funders Support Artist Websites
Grant assessors often see websites as:
professional career infrastructure
a public archive of work
a tool for international audiences
a way to sell work directly
Many grant applications now even require a website or digital portfolio as part of the application.
Tip
When applying for funding, artists should frame a website as:
“Digital audience development and professional presentation of my work.”
Example grant wording:
Funding will support the development of a professional website and digital archive to showcase my artworks, exhibitions, and publications, enabling greater access to my practice for galleries, collectors, and international audiences.