Latest news updates

Kia kaha, Tāmaki Makaurau

17 September 2021
“Here’s a shout-out to our Auckland friends and whānau. We so appreciate your efforts to protect us all! We thank you and we'll be here for you” This message to Aucklanders in a video from the team at the Inclusive Performance Academy of Canterbury is highlighted in the latest blog by Richard Benge, Executive Director, Arts Access Aotearoa, along with other organisations spreading the job for children and families in Auckland.  Read Richard’s blog

Using Christchurch as a giant creative space

14September 2021
The White Room Creative Space in Christchurch will extend its hours and wants to use the city as a “giant” creative space, thanks to funding it’s received through the Government’s three-year Creative Spaces Initiative. “The White Room artists and staff are looking forward to the opportunities this funding will bring over the next three years – and hopefully for a lot longer,” says art tutor Simon Grey. Read more about The White Room 

Circability goes online to spread the joy

9 September 2021
Auckland’s Circability has moved its social circus classes online by creating the Joy Market and spreading joy to families during this lockdown. Mel Powell, General Manager at Circability, says it’s an example of how the social sector can pivot in times of adversity. Read more about the Joy Market 

Whanganui Creative Space funding boosts hours and staff

7 September 2021
Whanganui Creative Space will open its doors an extra day a week and employ its art tutors for more hours a week, thanks to funding it received through the Government’s three-year Creative Spaces Initiative. Delivered by Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage in partnership with Arts Access Aotearoa, the Creative Spaces Initiative is supporting 54 community creative spaces with funding over three years. Read more about Whanganui Creative Space  

Showcasing art in Corrections’ national office

30 August 2021
A new exhibition space in Ara Poutama Aotearoa Department of Corrections’ refurbished national office in Wellington provides an opportunity for prisoners to showcase their art in a professional setting and supports their study through The Learning Connexion. Read more about the exhibition 

Research backs Pathway approach to reintegration

30 August 2021
Independent research is an important tool that Pathway Trust in Christchurch uses to track and measure the impact of its programmes aimed at reducing recidivism. For example, a three-year study from 2011 to 2014 showed that men who participated in Pathway’s Reintegration Programme were 43% less likely to re-offend within 12 months of release than if they hadn’t undertaken the programme. Read more about Pathway