What we do

At Arts Access Aotearoa, all of our activities and events are undertaken through our five programmes.

These are:

• Access and Participation
• Community Development
• Advocacy and Profile
• Information Centre
• Prison Arts

You can read about these programmes in our Strategic Plan 2012–2014. 

Access and Participation

This programme is about supporting arts organisations, companies, producers and venues to be accessible. It includes the Arts For All partnership programme with Creative New Zealand and the Companion Card initiative. 

Community Development

This programme is about building the capacity of community-based arts organisations to deliver high-quality arts programmes for people with limited access. The key organisations we work with are creative spaces, community organisations throughout New Zealand providing opportunities for people with limited access to make art. 

In 2011 and 2012, we present national exhibitions of artwork by creative space artists. 

Advocacy and Profile

This programme is about raising public awareness and advocating for access to the arts for everyone in New Zealand. We do this by profiling, celebrating and advocating for the individuals, organisations and communities with whom we work.

Every year, we present the Big ‘A’ Awards. These are the key national awards in New Zealand celebrating the achievements of individuals and organisations providing opportunities for people with limited access to participate in the arts, as artists and audience members. 

Information Centre

This programme is about providing a national information service on access to and participation in the arts, and advising on best practice. 

Prison Arts

This programme is about working with the Department of Corrections through our Prison Arts Advisory Service, and delivering information about arts activities and programmes that support the rehabilitation of prisoners and their reintegration into the community on release.