Arts Access AotearoaA multi-year funding contract with Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, supporting the growth and sustainability of creative spaces around the country, has come to an end.
Arts Access Aotearoa partnered with Manatū Taonga from December 2020 to January 2025, supporting the funding application process, advising and monitoring the 54 recipients, developing and implementing a professional development programme, and delivering two conferences for the creative spaces sector.
The aims of the three-year $18 million CARE Fund were to increase the reach and quality of creative space services and programmes, and also support increased employment in the sector.
Richard Benge, Executive Director, Arts Access Aotearoa, says data was gathered throughout the three-and-a-half years and shows the positive impact of sustained investment in creative spaces and the communities they serve.
The data, which demonstrates the positive impact of the funding, will be released in a report in late February 2025.
“This investment has paid significant dividends for society by providing social, health and wellbeing outcomes,” Richard says. “In economic terms, happier, connected people mean people making positive contributions to our society and fewer people in the health system. It’s a win-win situation.”
The role of Funding Advisors
In January 2021, Arts Access Aotearoa appointed two Creative Spaces Funding Advisors to support the funding application process, and advise and monitor the 54 recipients.
Hannah Dahlke and Kate Hiatt end their funding advisory roles at the end of January.
“The CARE Fund enabled creative spaces to dream bigger and to reach those communities that they saw needed help,” Hannah says. “It also enabled them to provide pathways into employment, leadership or professional practice.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to be in this role over the past four years. Consistent engagement allowed me to build a high level of trust with the sector and I want to thank creative spaces for letting me in; for sharing their successes, challenges and stories. It’s been truly powerful to experience the diversity and collective strength of the network.”
Kate says that visits to creative spaces reinforced the importance of consistent funding and the power of connection through the Creative Spaces Network. providing strength, sharing, learning and advocacy.
“I continue to be deeply inspired by the sector's rich diversity. I have learned so much, been humbled by the extraordinary individuals I’ve met, and, always, filled with the transformative power of art,” Kate says.
The creative spaces team also includes Fiona Sharp, Creative Spaces Network Development Advisor and Jazz Lolesio, Arts Access Activator Auckland. Their roles included the delivery of the professional development programme and Ngā Wāhi Auaha Creative Spaces Conference 2024. They will remain in their roles at Arts Access Aotearoa to support creative spaces.
Richard Benge says Arts Access Aotearoa will continue to support and advocate for creative spaces as they transition from the end of the multi-year investment to seeking sustainable funding alternatives.
You can contact the creative spaces team by emailing csn@artsaccess.org.nz.
