Arts Blog
Search Results: 12
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Art, the fifth pillar of health
Are you suffering from the condition known as arts scepticism? Symptoms include espousing the idea that the arts are a nice-to-have and a waste of taxpayer money. If so, a new treatment has just become available. It’s Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Transform our Health by UK scientist Professor Daisy Fancourt (Cornerstone Press,...
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Festival season shows why arts funding matters
Across the country, councils invest between $500 to $600 million annually into arts, culture and heritage. Richard Benge’s opinion piece in The Post argues that investment in their community’s arts and culture is not a nice-to-have. It's sound governance backed by evidence.
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Shift perspectives and improve funding outcomes
"The value of bringing people together in person rather than on a screen was evident at the recent Shifting the Stream: rethinking arts investment forum, held in Tāmaki Makaurau'" blogs Richard Benge.
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The arts, bringing people together
The arts play a crucial role in strengthening communities across Aotearoa, fostering connection, wellbeing and cultural expression. This article explores the social, health and economic benefits of community arts organisations, highlighting research that underscores their impact. As funding challenges persist, investing in the arts remains...
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Imagining disabled futures at Alter State
Exploring disability arts across Aotearoa and Australia at Melbourne's Alter State Festival.
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Frontline heroes enriching and saving lives
"Art saved my life," writes Richard Benge, Executive Director of Arts Access Aotearoa, in an opinion piece published in The Post. "It’s something I’ve often told myself in answer to the question, 'How did I survive my teens?' When I was ten, my mother died suddenly and at 15, I lost a sister to suicide. My mental health was shot through...
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Accessibility in all we do
“Without whakawhanaungatanga, there is nothing. With it, we can build the revolution we all so desperately need.” These powerful words were written on the eve of Waitangi Day by Arts Access Aotearoa’s Policy Principal, Conor Twyford.
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Farewell words from Chris Ulutupu
As the Arts in Corrections Advisor, I’ve been closely following the progress of Arts in Corrections programmes in New Zealand from 2019 – 2023. During that period, arts programmes and initiatives have continued to expand and evolve.
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Arts torch shines the way
Strong, connected communities in cities, towns and rural areas are vital for the ongoing health and wellbeing of their inhabitants. The strength and courage of the Auckland community – made up of many rich, diverse communities – have been demonstrated throughout the devastating floods.
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Insights into reintegration and recidivism
Lights up! A musician is playing a guitar. A table centre-stage has a paper sign on top of it reading “Probation Officer”. Pamphlets promoting different social services are scattered on the table where two men are sitting.
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Research on arts access here and overseas
Initial findings from research undertaken in the European Union, as well as Switzerland and the UK, open a window on accessibility and the arts in 40 countries. Like New Zealand, the EU and all its member states have ratified the UN’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This Convention recognises disabled people’s right...
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Participating in the arts “together apart”
The conversation with four leaders from the Creative Spaces Network explored issues they are experiencing during CoOVID-19. Most are now familiar delivering distance-learning programmes and experiences via platforms such as Zoom and Team Meetings, Facebook and YouTube.
