If you or your group have a creative project in need of funding assistance the Ōpōtiki District Council wants to hear from you.

The Creative New Zealand Creative Communities Scheme, which is administered by the district council, aims to increase participation in the arts at a local level plus grow the range and diversity of arts available within the district.

The Ōpōtiki Children's Art House was one of 12 recipients who received funding under the Creative New Zealand Creative Communities Scheme in 2015. Photo: NZCAHF

Projects beginning after Wednesday, June 8, that involve art, dance, drama, literature, music, seminars, workshops and cultural events may be eligible for funding under the scheme.

Councillor Lyn Riesterer says the council administered scheme allocates about $11,000 of arts funding in the Ōpōtiki district each year.

'Getting involved in arts activities can have an inspiring effect on both our individual lives and on our community as a whole,” says Lyn.

'The scheme endeavours to make more arts available to more people but ultimately, it's up to the community to come up with the ideas and to make them happen.”

In the last funding round grants were allocated to assist with a youth mural restoration project, a book on the fallen of World War II and youth art workshops.

Each funding application received is considered by an assessment committee made up of dedicated representatives from the Ōpōtiki/Coast area.

Applications for funding close on Friday, May 27.

For more information, application forms and guides visit the Ōpōtiki District Council's Creative Communities Scheme webpage.