CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY AND THE ARTS: A dancer challenging perceptions about who can dance, a festival building new audiences in the disabled and Deaf communities, a partnership project providing creativity and connections for alienated youth, a creative space in Christchurch providing a pathway to mental health and wellbeing, and leadership in delivering arts programmes in prisons were recognised on Wednesday 1 August at Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Awards 2018, presented in Parliament by Arts Access Aotearoa and hosted by Minister Carmel Sepuloni. Read more and check out the photos on Flickr

Dunedin short film a finalist

13 July 2018
It’s a title to stop most of us in our tracks: Boom Boom Extremo Bags. What’s that about? The confusion only worsens when you discover that the tale of the extremo bags is being told by a conspiracy of lemurs. But watch the prize-winning video produced by Dunedin Connections Centre and its creative space, Studio2, with fine arts graduate Megan Brady, and the story soon makes a lot of sense. Read more

Impact of creativity on mental wellbeing

5 July 2018
Findings from research demonstrate the “profound” impact of Ōtautahi Creative Spaces’ programmes on artists’ mental health and wellbeing. Analysis of the innovative arts programme by Ihi Research and Development has revealed how it has helped those involved to become more connected and resilient with improved social skills. Read more 

Eryn Gribble offers opportunity in the arts

2 July 2018
A new creative space in Wellington called Opportunity Arts will be launched on Tuesday 10 July at Thistle Hall in Cuba Street. Its creator, Eryn Gribble – also Co-ordinator of the Newtown Community and Cultural Centre – explains why she’s driven to launch another creative space in the Capital. “It supports the work that creative spaces do by helping their talented artists reach the wider public they deserve," Eryn says. Read more

Redemption through performing arts

27 June 2018
The Shakespeare Behind Bars programme, established in 2015 at Northland Region Corrections Facility, has been renamed Redemption Performing Arts to better reflect its purpose and focus. Beth Hill, the Facility’s programme leader for arts, self-directed learning and living skills, says Redemption Performing Arts is a vehicle for creating sustainable community, Corrections and whānau relationships. Read more

Drama offers choices for prisoners

26 June 2018
A drama group at Otago Corrections Facility recently received a standing ovation from an audience of 50 educators – teachers, lecturers, tutors – for their performance of a devised work called Cool or Fool. It was presented using the “forum theatre” technique, developed by Brazilian theatre practitioner Augusta Boal in the 1970s. Read more 

Creative potential at Māpura Studios

18 June 2018
Māpura Studios in Auckland is one of a few creative spaces in New Zealand offering art therapy alongside the art tuition found in other community spaces around New Zealand. Diana McPherson, its Director, explains the distinction. “The process of making art and being creative is incredibly beneficial for everyone  but the art therapist helps the artist to explore the inner self, their thoughts and innermost feelings, and express these thoughts and feelings through the medium of art.” Read more

Artists grow at new Vincents site

31 May 2018
Vincents Art Workshop, situated in Wellington’s Willis Street Village, hums with artists, activity, ideas and regular exhibitions. But back in 2015, a time when it should have been celebrating 30 years since it opened, the creative space was facing a funding crisis. Closing its doors was a real possibility, recalls Glen McDonald, its Coordinator. Read more

Recognising the importance of our arts

17 May 2018
Budget 2018 lays the foundations for a significant programme of work that highlights the essential role the cultural sector plays in the wellbeing of our society, says Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Jacinda Ardern. “Arts and culture are not a ‘nice to have’. They are an essential part of our individual, community and national identity. For too long they have been treated differently when it comes to sustainable growth, career paths and economic benefits,” says Jacinda Ardern. Read more