Arts Access AotearoaAcross all of our work at Arts Access Aotearoa, we are constantly promoting and advocating for our stakeholders – the people and organisations we work with to increase accessibility and inclusion in the arts.
This month, Arts Access Aotearoa is calling for expressions of interest in two opportunities, both focused on increasing access to Deaf and disabled artists and audiences – made possible with support through Manatū Taonga’s Regeneration Fund.
I am very pleased that Arts Access Aotearoa is able to provide these opportunities. The first is for Deaf and disabled people interested in facilitating Deaf and disability-led responsiveness training for the arts sector. Experience as a facilitator is not required and as part of this pilot programme, we will offer professional development in facilitating, learning the material and adding your own voice. For more information and to apply
Accessibility Impact Fund
The second opportunity is the Accessibility Impact Fund, offering one-off funding supporting increased accessibility or access needs. It’s available to arts sector and access organisations, along with Deaf and disabled artists and arts workers, based in Aotearoa.
This one-off fund is part of our ongoing advocacy to increase access to the arts for Deaf and disabled people. An important part of the funding is to work closely with the recipients so we can demonstrate the impact and value of their funded projects. This, in turn, will be used in our future advocacy for dedicated access funding. For more information and to apply
The theme of Ngā Wāhi Auaha Creative Spaces Conference 2024 is “Hāpaitia i ngā wāhi toi | Advocate and amplify”.
This theme is particularly pertinent at a time when many of the creative spaces transition from a three-year funding contract with Manatū Taonga into a new chapter of funding. Our advocacy for and with creative spaces is all about ensuring their value is recognised so they receive sustainable, long-term funding.
There’s an exciting line-up of presenters, workshops and panel discussions at the conference, to be held in Wellington on 22 and 23 August. Registrations for the in-person event have closed but you can still register for the virtual event.
Impact of the arts on my life
In an opinion piece published in The Post and online, I write about the impact of the arts on my own life and then extend that to the many lives enriched or saved through people’s involvement with creative spaces across Aotearoa.
I acknowledge the “compassionate creative tutors, my wayfinders, who mentored me to be safe and to trust my creative potential, not just as a teenager but throughout my life”.
I also acknowledge the staff of creative spaces whom I describe as “frontline heroes”, enriching and saving lives.
One of those "heroes" is Andrew Mitchell, who has worked at Vincents Art Workshop since 2005 – firstly as an arts tutor, then as the Senior Tutor, and finally, as its Kaiwhakahaere Coordinator for the past year. Read the story “Magical moments” at Vincents Art Workshop.
Andrew says Vincents provides a vital service in Wellington, and reckons all cities and towns in New Zealand should have creative spaces like Vincents to support and nourish their citizens.
We couldn’t agree more!
