Arts Event Fund 2025-26

The Arts Event Fund supports operational costs for national and regional art events hosted in Palmerston North that have an economic benefit.

To be considered for funding, the arts event should:

• contribute towards outcomes to achieve goal 1 and 2 of Council's strategic direction;
• promote domestic tourism and increased visitor nights (i.e. promoting longer stays and increased tourism activity, and generate visitation in the shoulder or low seasons);
• showcase Palmerston North’s unique story; and
• generate positive media exposure for the region.

In addition to the above factors, proposals will receive a greater weighting if the initiative demonstrates:

• the ability to generate opportunities to leverage the city’s profile and/or create a long-term legacy for the city;
• contribute to a diverse range of events across the region’s wider event landscape; and/or
• contribute to outcomes that achieve goal 3 or 4 of Council’s strategic direction

See the Support and Funding Policy and Guidelines for more information on criteria and eligibility. 

Not sure if this is the right fund?

Fill out a Community Funding enquiry form. We will get back to you with advice on the right fund for your project.

Incomplete applications and/or applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

If you have any questions in regards to these eligibility criteria, please contact our Community Funding Advisor on phone: 06 356 8199 or email: communityfunding@pncc.govt.nz

 Before proceeding, please confirm the following:

• We are either:

  • a company, community group or for-purpose organisation, or

  • an individual or group with an umbrella organisation willing to take responsibility for the funding application.

• We are in the final stages of planning an arts event.
• Our public-facing arts event will take place in Palmerston North (wider Manawatū will also be considered).
• We have read and understood the programme guidelines.
• Our organisation does not owe any outstanding reports or money to Palmerston North City Council as a result of previous funding or grants.

We take your privacy seriously. To find out why Palmerston North City Council collects and stores your personal information, what we will use it for and with whom we can share it, see our privacy statement.

All known conflicts of interest (whether actual, potential or perceived) must be declared. Council officers involved in the funding process are also required to declare any conflicts of interest.