Latest news updates
Creative wellbeing through whakairo
12 December 2023
“When the cell door shut behind me on my first night inside Northland Region Corrections Facility, I made a promise to myself that I would change. I made a promise I would get my first parole hearing, and I took every opportunity Corrections offered me” Read Mark Lang’s blog
A journey of creativity and positive change
12 December 2023
Lis Smith, sewing instructor at Northland Region Corrections Facility, blogs about the men’s journey of creativity and positive change. At the heart of their transformation, she says, is the discovery of new skills, their sense of pride, confidence and ability to give back to the community. Read Lis Smith’s blog
Connecting through art and nature
12 December 2023
Bunches of fresh, colourful flowers sat on tables in Christchurch Women’s Prison, ready to be used in a visual arts exercise about art making. This three-day workshop, facilitated by Home Ground, was part of the three-year Creative Arts and Cultural Wellbeing Prison Initiative. Read more about the project
Why we work in Arts in Corrections
12 December 2023
“I took up the role in September and have been asked by many people outside the Arts in Corrections community about my ‘why’. I can articulate my own response but was keen to learn why other members of the Arts in Corrections Network are involved.” Read Neil Wallace’s blog
Moe moe ra, to matou kaumātua aroha nui
7 December 2023
Arts Access Aotearoa mourns the passing of our beloved Kaumātua, The Venerable Wiremu Kaua ONZM, JP (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Horowai, Rongowhakaata, Rakaipaaka, Te Aitanga Hauiti). Always big-hearted, inclusive and witty, Bill was also a leader and a visionary. His contribution to the people of Aotearoa is immense. Read Richard Benge’s blog
The power of a good photo
4 December 2023
“As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. In my view, this couldn’t describe photography better. A well-crafted photo speaks volumes, transcending language barriers to communicate emotions, stories and perspectives in an instant.” Read Sophie Macdonald’s blog
Becoming a Tiriti partner organisation
21 November 2023
"Like other organisations aiming to strengthen inclusion and help build strong communities, Arts Access Aotearoa has been engaged in collective work to deepen its understanding and knowledge of Te Ao Māori and commit to being a Tiriti partner organisation." Read Richard Benge’s blog
Jolt challenges expectations of disability
21 November 2023
An invitation to perform at the Gathered Together festival in Glasgow in September 2024 is one of the opportunities Christchurch Jolt dance company is keen to take up to showcase its dancers’ skills. Lyn Cotton, Jolt’s Artistic Director, says the invitation is the result of its international connections. Read the Jolt story
Join our board: Arts Access Aotearoa invites expressions of interest from people who would like to join its Board of Trustees. The closing date for expressions of interest is 5pm Thursday 21 March 2024. For more info and to apply
The Art Inside podcast: Listen to the podcasts, produced by Sophie Macdonald and hosted by Neil Wallace for Arts Access Aotearoa.
One to watch: Writer and spoken-word poet Helen Vivienne Fletcher performs Stick-abled: video directed, shot and edited by Rajeev Mishra.
Connecting through music: This video was made by Lala Rolls of Island Productions Aotearoa for Arts Access Aotearoa and Chamber Music New Zealand.
Access for all: This video was made by Lala Rolls of Island Productions Aotearoa for Arts Access Aotearoa