Latest news updates

One crochet loop at a time

27 April 2023
“Transforming intergenerational trauma into deeply felt joy one crochet loop at a time” is the catchcry of crochet artists Lissy (Ngāti Hineamaru, Ngāti Kahu) and Rudi (Waikato, Ngāti Paoa, Ngaruahine, Te Arawa) whose  their lives are filled with aroha, joy, colour, fluro-coloured wool and crochet needles. Read more about Lissy and Rudi's work

An exciting stage for Arts in Corrections

27 April 2023
“It’s with a mix of sadness and excitement that after four and half years, I will be leaving my position as Arts in Corrections Advisor at Arts Access Aotearoa on 28 June. I’ve been offered a chance to focus on my art practice at the Tylee Cottage Artist Residency with the Sarjeant Gallery in Whanganui later this year,” writes Chris Ulutupu in his blog

Therapeutic impact of music in prisons

27 April 2023
“For me, music is an emotional language. When words are not always enough to express something, there is likely a piece of music that is going to help me heal, feel and strengthen who I am through that experience.” Read the blog by Anaru Baynes, Reintegration Manager, Pathway Trust. 

Media stories that lift our hearts

14 April 2023
"What’s the role of the news media? At best, it should provide a balance of accurate information with interpretation, instruction and entertainment. It’s also important to protect ourselves from too much negativity when we read, watch or hear news," writes Richard Benge in his latest blog 

Investing in Auckland’s brand and unique character

28 March 2023
Auckland Council’s proposed $35.6 million cut in funding for the arts in Tāmaki Makaurau would damage the city’s brand and the reputation of its vibrant arts and cultural organisations, says Arts Access Aotearoa in its submission to the Auckland Council. https://artsaccess.org.nz/Arts%20News/Investing-in-Auckland%E2%80%99s-brand-and-unique-character

Museum galleries accessible to Deaf visitors

16 March 2023
For the first time, the permanent galleries at the Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira are accessible to Deaf and hard of hearing visitors who use New Zealand Sign Language.The NZSL project started when the Museum began two major gallery redevelopments. Read about Auckland Museum's NZSL Online Hub

A little rusty: Using nature to create rusty prints

16 March 2023
"! am studying art through a distance-learning programme at The Learning Connexion and am aiming to achieve the NZ Diploma in Art & Creativity. My artist name is Lena (not my real name) and I am in Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility. Last year, I achieved the NZ Certificate in Art & Creativity through The Learning Connexion." Read Lena's blog about her art

Spreading kōrero of disability and music technology

16 March 2023
I’m Sam Morgan, a musician and producer based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington in Aotearoa New Zealand. I have a degenerative eye condition, which has meant that attending shows and going to gigs has become increasingly difficult over the past few years. Listen to the Able Audio podcasts