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

EOI: new work in development

The Hannah and Auckland Live are working in partnership to support the development of a new production, and provide the space and time for a new work in development. This opportunity includes in-kind venue use of the Hannah Playhouse, alongside production support from Auckland Live for the period 2026–2027. The offer is best suited to a primarily Wellington-based collective with an interest in building new communities in Auckland and Wellington. Expressions of interest can be made via the online EOI form (13 questions, all on the same page), or via video chat.

Email Eleanor Strathern (Manager, Hannah Playhouse) if you have any questions about your accessibility requirements or would like to set up a time for a video chat. The deadline for your expression of interest is noon on Thursday 6 November.

Apply for the New Work in Development Initiative

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

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