Local artists in need of funding are being encouraged to apply for the Thames Coromandel District Council's Creative Community Arts Grant.

Falling under the Creative Communities Scheme, backed by Creative New Zealand, applications for this year's grant opened today and will close on Friday, October 31 at 4pm.

Applications for the TCDC's Creative Community Arts Grant are now open.

The grant aims to increase participation in the arts, broaden the range and diversity of the arts available to communities and enhance and strengthen the local arts sector.

To apply for the TCDC's Creative Community Arts Grant projects must involve broad community participation, diversity or young people under 18.

Projects that may be considered include those that advance the development of arts and cultural activities, take place within Thames-Coromandel, and produce benefits within the district.

Funding is awarded to projects, not people, and all applications must meet one or more of the scheme's criteria.

To apply for the TCDC's Creative Community Arts Grant forms are available at any council office or can be downloaded from here.