Arts Blog
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The power of a good photo
Discover a curated selection of images from Arts Access Aotearoa's image library, handpicked by our Communications Assistant and professional photographer, Sophie Macdonald.
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A journey of creativity and positive change
In 2021, the Sewing Industries area of Northland Region Corrections Facility embarked on a journey of positive change, fostering growth, and nurturing creativity among the tane.
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Creative wellbeing through whakairo
Ko Mark Lang toku ingoa. Ko Ngāpuhi toku iwi. Ko Ngāti Horahia toku hapū. When the cell door shut behind me on my first night inside Northland Region Corrections Facility, I made a promise to myself that I would change. I made a promise I would get my first parole hearing, and I took every class and opportunity that Corrections offered me.
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Becoming a Tiriti partner organisation
Like other organisations aiming to strengthen inclusion and help build strong communities, Arts Access Aotearoa has been engaged in collective work to deepen its understanding and knowledge of Te Ao Māori and commit to being a Tiriti partner organisation.
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Power of collective arts advocacy
Arts Access Aotearoa reflects on the impact of collective advocacy, recent sector wānanga, and the call for a national strategy for arts, creativity and culture.
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Investing in access to the arts pays dividends
The election campaign is in full swing with announcements about what parties will do if they are leading or part of the next government. The economy, security and health are the big issues: there’s no mention of the arts and their value or benefits to the economy, security or health.
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Looking to the future of Arts in Corrections
Prison sites across the country are opening up again to visitors, volunteers, art programmes and artist tutors after they faced necessary safety restrictions due to COVID-19.
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Applying the Fries Test in Aotearoa
Years ago the American cartoonist Alison Bechdel made a joke in a comic strip. Two women enter a cinema with simple criteria for the kind of film they want to see: one with a scene in which two women speak about something other than men. They exit almost immediately, disappointed, unable to find anything to watch.
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Investing in resources to increase access to the arts
When the Government invests in the arts it’s important that everyone benefits. To this end, Manatū Taonga’s Regeneration Fund is supporting Arts Access Aotearoa to deliver four projects – all aimed at increasing inclusion by providing accessible resources, and training for artists, organisations and advocates.
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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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Chairing the Arts Access Aotearoa board
Words can be such an amazing tool to inspire positive change and I’m reminded of this when I read the words of Justice Joe Williams encapsulating the importance of the arts in shaping our future.
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Expanding access to the arts
Investing in the arts for everyone in Aotearoa is the theme of the Chair and Executive Director’s report on 2022, summarising the achievements of the people we work with and of Arts Access Aotearoa.
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We remember Dame Rosie Horton’s kindness and encouragement
Arts Access Aotearoa is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dame Rosie Horton over the weekend. Dame Rosie was the Patron of the Arts Access Accolade, the organisation’s highest honour for a person whose recent work “has advanced accessibility in the arts in ways we could not have achieved without them”.
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Media stories that lift our hearts
What’s the role of the news media? At best, it should provide a balance of accurate information with interpretation, instruction and entertainment. It’s also important to protect ourselves from too much negativity when we read, watch or hear news.
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Funding arts champions to drive change
A search of the word “champions” on Arts Access Aotearoa’s website brings up a number of headlines and story links: champions in the Arts in Corrections sector; champions of accessibility in The Arts Access Podcast; and theatre access champions.
