Opportunities

Mental Health Foundation grants

The Mental Health Foundation is offering Top Up Community Grants supporting initiatives grounded in the Five Ways to Wellbeing (Connect, Give, Take Notice, Be Active and Keep Learning) that will create lasting ripples of wellbeing in communities across Aotearoa. Whether it’s a wānanga at the marae, a dance class at the local hall, starting a community garden, or something else entirely – you know what works best for the wellbeing of you, and the people around you. 

Funding ranges from $10,000 to $40,000 per project, with a total of $250,000 available this year. Applications close on 16 November 2025.

For more info and to apply

Call for Toi Pōneke residency applications

Toi Pōneke Arts Centre in Wellington is calling for applications to its d/Deaf and/or Disabled Artist Development Residency 2026. The deadline for applications is 5pm Monday 17 November 2025. This is an eight-week residency running from 16 February to 12 April 2026. It provides the selected artist with a studio space, stipend and mentor. It also provides the recipient with access to resources and support to develop a new body of work.

For more info and to apply

Call for Springboard nominations

The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi is calling for nominations to the 2026 Springboard Award, which aims to kickstart sustainable arts careers for early-career artists who are not secondary school or enrolled undergraduate students. It includes a year-long funding and mentorship package. It does not accept self-nominations. Nominations close on Friday 5 December.

Check out criteria and make a nomination 

RAW exhibition opportunity

RAW is an exhibition opportunity at Nelson's Refinery ArtSpace for artists who may not fit into a traditional, academic or commercial gallery context. Entry is free and open to anyone currently living in New Zealand who has not undertaken formal or traditional art training. It’s presented by Arts Council Nelson in collaboration with Refinery ArtSpace and runs from 15 December 2025 to 24 January 2026. 

Artists may submit up to three pieces of work. Work must be the artist’s own design and execution and must arrive by Friday 12 December 2025.

For more info and to submit your art

Calling all artists: New commission for public art in Te Ngākau Civic Square, Wellington.

City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi is marking its return to its heritage home with a new opportunity for a New Zealand-born or based artist to create a major outdoor sculpture in the capital. We're looking for practising artists to submit proposals for innovative, dynamic and well-considered public sculptures to create a contemporary landmark in the city. Applications are open until Monday 2 February 2026. 

Get more info & apply

Research participants for theatre and autism study

Are you passionate about theatre and identify as autistic? Or do you work in inclusive theatre practices for autistic individuals? Your experiences could contribute to groundbreaking research as part of a doctoral study on autism and theatre. Rachel Walsh is a doctoral candidate at The University of Auckland’s Faculty of Education. She is conducting an innovative study exploring the intersection of autism and theatre-making. This research aims to enhance our understanding of drama education and inclusive theatre practices for autistic individuals.

Learn more about this study Participate by emailing Rachel Walsh

Crescendo offers recording services

Crescendo is a social enterprise recording studio in Auckland. Whether you are looking to make a podcast series, audiobook or record an oral history project, the Crescendo team can step you through the process from start to finish and will provide quotes for funding applications. By working with Crescendo, your project will also be supporting youth mentoring and pathways to employment. Get in touch for a free consultation studio@crescendo.org.nz or check out its work at crescendo.org.nz.

Read more about Crescendo as a social enterprise

Performing Arts Foundation of Wellington

The Performing Arts Foundation of Wellington provides financial support to performing arts projects and productions across the Wellington Region (Wellington City through to Porirua and Upper Hutt). It’s focused on supporting projects that engage children/youth and diverse communities with the performing arts, either as performers or audiences. The foundation receives its funding from a $1.50 levy included in every ticket purchased for St James Theatre and The Opera House. Venues Wellington, a subsidiary of WellingtonNZ, operates these venues and administers the grants. The Performing Arts Foundation accepts applications from individuals and groups/organisations involved in the performing arts rather than venues. There are four application rounds per year.

Learn more or apply