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Highly Commended recipients 2021

Recognising artists, organisations and programmes making important contributions to accessible and inclusive arts across Aotearoa.

About the recipients

Alongside the main recipients of Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Awards 2021, nine individuals, organisations and projects received Highly Commended certificates.

Their work spanned artistic achievement, creative spaces, accessible arts and Arts in Corrections.

Arts Access Holdsworth Creative Space Award

Two creative spaces were recognised for supporting connection, confidence, healing and artistic expression.

Members of Cantabrainers Choir with Hon Carmel Sepuloni.

Cantabrainers Choir

Christchurch

Cantabrainers Choir supports people living with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis and brain injury. Through weekly singing sessions led by music and speech-language therapists, members build confidence, strengthen communication and reduce social isolation.

"A nugget of gold. Cantabrainers is an excellent creative space that transforms its singers. We were impressed by its commitment to best practice, inclusive decision-making and its quick response to COVID-19 restrictions."

Judges comments

Members of the Women’s Art Initiative with Hon Carmel Sepuloni.

Women’s Art Initiative

Palmerston North

Women’s Art Initiative is a collective supporting women to create art in response to experiences of violence and abuse. Through its creative practice and public exhibitions, the group provides a safe place for women to express resistance, explore their strengths and challenge harmful stereotypes.

"The deep respect shown towards each artist is outstanding. Women’s Art Initiative provides a safe, healing place where each woman can explore her creativity and create beautiful, powerful art."

Judges comments

Arts Access Corrections Māui Tikitiki ā Taranga Award

Three practitioners were recognised for using creativity, culture and education to support positive change within corrections environments.

Juanita Davis with Hon Kelvin Davis.

Juanita Davis

Whanganui Prison

Juanita Davis teaches raranga alongside the history, tikanga and harvesting practices connected with weaving. Her work has supported men to create personal korowai, exhibit their weaving and make wahakura while reconnecting with culture, whakapapa and identity.

"Juanita’s raranga programme is a wonderful demonstration of the value of art and tikanga as rehabilitative tools. The men develop confidence, cultural connection and mana through the work they create."

Judges comments

Zak Devey with Hon Kelvin Davis.

Zak Devey and Youth Arts New Zealand

Mt Eden Corrections Facility

Zak Devey and a team of writers developed Te Kāhui, a creative writing programme for rangatahi at Mt Eden Corrections Facility. During COVID-19 restrictions, the team adapted its workshops into journals containing writing prompts and exercises so participants could continue creating and receiving feedback.

"Zak Devey is a young champion in the delivery of creative writing programmes to rangatahi. His dedication, reflection, responsiveness and innovative processes are impressive."

Judges comments

Annah Mac with Hon Kelvin Davis.

Annah Mac

Otago Corrections Facility

Singer-songwriter Annah Mac delivers The Kōwhai Project, a music programme in which participants learn ukulele, write songs and record music together. She also coordinated and produced an album of 37 songs recorded across six South Island corrections facilities.

"Annah’s commitment to her mahi and to music as a powerful rehabilitative tool is truly impressive. Creating an album across multiple sites demonstrates her ability to navigate complex issues and achieve excellent results."

Judges comments

Arts Access Creative New Zealand Arts For All Award

Two accessibility leaders were recognised for improving arts and cultural experiences for Deaf and blind people.

Theresa Cooper with Stephen Wainwright of Creative New Zealand.

Theresa Cooper

Wellington

Deaf accessibility advocate Theresa Cooper worked with Te Papa Tongarewa to develop its NZSL Guide, helping create more accessible museum experiences for Deaf visitors. Her work has also contributed to wider learning about Deaf accessibility across museums, galleries, libraries and archives.

"We applaud Theresa’s commitment to increasing accessibility for Deaf visitors. She is creating a legacy of learning and empowerment for Te Papa and the wider cultural sector."

Judges comments

Paul Brown and Nicola Owen with Stephen Wainwright of Creative New Zealand.

Nicola Owen and Audio Described Aotearoa

Auckland

Nicola Owen has been instrumental in developing professional audio description in Aotearoa and co-founded Audio Described Aotearoa with Paul Brown. Their work has made theatre, dance, museums, galleries, guided walks and online performances more accessible for blind audiences.

"Nicola is a pioneer in the development of audio description. Audio Described Aotearoa continues to grow and evolve while promoting the voice of blind people throughout the audio description process."

Judges comments

Arts Access Corrections Whai Tikanga Award

This award recognised leadership in sharing toi Māori, tikanga and cultural knowledge within corrections environments.

Sharne Parkinson wearing one of her korowai.

Sharne Parkinson and Harakeke Down South

Invercargill Prison

Sharne Parkinson volunteers at Invercargill Prison, sharing Māori language, culture, history and traditional artforms including raranga, taonga pūoro, manu tukutuku and mau rākau. Her work supports participants to strengthen cultural identity, connection and wellbeing through te ao Māori.

"Sharne is a wāhine toa. She shares her expertise and passion for toi Māori and tikanga, using the arts to heal, inspire cultural identity, connect and rehabilitate."

Judges comments

Arts Access PAK’nSAVE Artistic Achievement Award

This award recognised outstanding artistic achievement and advocacy by a disabled artist.

Helen Vivienne Fletcher with Kieran O’Sullivan of PAK’nSAVE.

Helen Vivienne Fletcher

Wellington

Helen Vivienne Fletcher is a children’s and young adult author, playwright, spoken word poet and creative writing tutor. Her work often explores disability and mental health, combining serious subjects with a sharp sense of humour. She is also an advocate, teacher and mentor for other writers.

"Helen’s CV is remarkable. She is a multi-talented writer, performance poet, teacher and mentor, and a strong disability advocate and barrier-breaker."

Judges comments

Explore the 2021 awards

Meet the main award recipients and watch highlights from Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Awards 2021.

View the 2021 awards
 
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