OPENING UP THE ARTS TO DEAF PEOPLE: Aucklander Kelly Hodgins’ passion and bubbly personality shine through when she talks about New Zealand Sign Language interpreted theatre and other arts events for Deaf people. Read more
Latest news updates
Shot Bro and saving lives
26 August 2020
“I think of myself as an essential life-saving service but that's an unofficial statement,” Rob Mokaraka says in an email when he’s told that his solo show Shot Bro, due to be performed to men at Rimutaka Prison in two days’ time, has had to be postponed because of COVID-19. Described as “a healing true story about a very real fight with a bullet and depression,” Shot Bro was first performed at Rimutaka Prison back in 2016. Read Rob's story
Unlocking potential through the arts
26 August 2020
Until eight years ago, Leonie Aben, acting Prison Director of Hawkes Bay Regional Prison, saw arts programmes in prisons as more of an optional extra, a good way of keeping prisoners occupied rather than an integral part of building self-esteem, motivation and a sense of cultural identity. “I always liked the arts but I didn’t see it as I do now, as part of the rehabilitation process,” she says. Read more
Invercargill Prison makes Manu Tukutuku for Matariki
27 July 2020
A volunteer project at Invercargill Prison involved a group of six prisoners and two volunteers making nine Manu Tukutuku, traditional toitoi kites, for Matariki. The kites were gifted to the Invercargill Matariki Light Festival in Queens Park from 13 to 19 July, where they hung as part of the community display. Read more
Thinkit art programme in Invercargill Prison
1 July 2020
A new art programme designed to enrich creativity, and enhance self-esteem and problem-solving skills, is underway in Invercargill Prison. Thinkit is a five-week, ten-session programme that aims to help participants build skills and develop strategies to help them navigate everyday life. Read more
Arts mentors step up at Northland prison
1 July 2020
Beth Hill knew the arts mentors she helped train through the Tuakana Teina peer mentoring programme at Northland Region Corrections Facility had the skills to keep some of the arts activities going through the COVID-19 lockdown. But she was blown away by just how much they achieved during the seven weeks of Level 4 and 3 lockdown when she was unable to work at the prison. Read more
International recognition for Audio Described Aotearoa
25 June 2020
Auckland company Audio Described Aotearoa has received international recognition for its efforts in providing audio description for blind and low vision arts patrons, particularly during New Zealand’s COVID-19 lockdown. This includes collaboration with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, resulting in more than 1500 people around the world tuning into four audio described online ballets. Read more
CREATIVE SPACE CHALLENGES: “Part of the human psyche is more healthy and well when we’re connected with other people. For creative spaces like Vincents, making artwork comes from a deep part of yourself.” Read Andre Chumko’s Stuff article 
ART A RECOVERY TOOL: Waikato could lead the country’s Covid-19 recovery, using art as a first responder. That’s the hope of Creative Waikato’s chief executive Jeremy Mayall who is presenting to all Waikato councils, asking them to factor art into district and city recovery plans. 
ARTS AND HEALTH: Check out Antoinette Spicer's
THIS IS ART / HE MAHI TOI TĒNEI: The ‘This is Art / He mahi toi tēnei’ tee is proudly created in collaboration by NopeSisters and Silo Theatre, to help increase the visibility and value of our arts and our artists in Aotearoa. 25% of the profits of every shirt will be donated to Arts Access Aotearoa! Get yours at the NopeSisters online store: 
