Arts Event Fund

The Arts Event Fund supports national and regional arts events hosted in Palmerston North.

Through the Arts Event Fund, Council will invest in events that contribute to our goal of a creative and exciting city. We recognise the opportunities that arise from hosting significant events in Palmerston North, both in terms of economic growth and in developing the city as an arts powerhouse.

To be considered for funding the event must:

  • have the arts as a central focus
  • be of significant regional, national or international importance
  • be accessible to the community
  • positively profile the city of Palmerston North
  • provide an economic benefit for Palmerston North.

How to apply

This year's budget is fully allocated. Applications will reopen in July 2024. In the meantime, you can get in touch with us to discuss your options and find out if this is the right fund for you.

Successful applicants 2022-23

We allocated $49,225 to 5 arts events. The successful recipients are listed below.

Manawatū Youth Theatre Charitable Trust: Moana Junior, $16,000 

The Disney musical Moana Jr at the Regent Theatre. Palmerston North’s largest youth musical to date, the show celebrated Māori and Pasifika art and culture.  

Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata EFKS Palmerston North Inc: Pasifika Fusion 2024, $13,000

Celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the secondary school competition that enables students to explore and identify with their Pacific heritage and culture. 

Aotearoa Jazz Education and Performance Charitable Trading Trust: NZ Blues, Roots & Groove Festival 2023, $10,000 

A national 4-day event celebrating blues, roots and groove music, held in the first week of September each year.  

Palmerston North Dance Association: 23rd Annual Dance Festival, $7,225 

Seven days of multi-genre dance championships at the Regent Theatre. The competition attracts young dancers with their families from Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Wellington and the top of the South Island. 

Manawatū Theatre Society Inc: Growth,  $3,000

A play in support of Testicular Cancer Awareness month, involving cast and crew from Palmerston North and the wider Manawatū.