Arts Access AotearoaA dancer returning home after an international career, a collaborative tape art project, a creative space supporting social inclusion, accessible theatre and leadership in Arts in Corrections were among those recognised at the Arts Access Awards 2017.
Presented by Arts Access Aotearoa at Parliament, the awards celebrated individuals and organisations increasing opportunities for people to participate in the arts as artists, audience members and visitors.
Arts Access Accolade 2017
Olivier Lacoua, Wellington
Olivier Lacoua, then General Manager of CQ Hotels Wellington, was recognised for his leadership in accessibility, community partnership and socially responsible business practice.
Under his leadership, the hotel introduced accessible rooms and services, supported employment opportunities for disabled people, displayed work by artists from creative spaces and built a longstanding partnership with Arts Access Aotearoa.
Dame Rosie Horton, Accolade patron:
“Olivier Lacoua has demonstrated the mutual benefits of a private business partnering with a not-for-profit organisation, going beyond preconceived notions of what sponsorship can achieve.”
Arts Access Holdsworth Creative Space Award 2017
Pablos Art Studios, Wellington
Pablos Art Studios was recognised for providing free materials, tuition and support to people with lived experience of mental ill health, helping artists build confidence, connection and creative opportunities.
Its work also extended into the wider community through outreach programmes and ROAR! gallery, which showcased work by Pablos artists and other artists with limited access to traditional dealer galleries.
Judges’ comment:
“Resounding applause for Pablos Art Studios for its focus on artists and the pathway it provides from isolation to social inclusion. Its community outreach, innovative programmes, and opportunities for artists to showcase and sell their work are impressive.”
Highly Commended: MIX, Hutt City, for its many partnerships providing opportunities for artists to showcase their work, and Alpha Omega Theatre Company, Petone, for its community outreach and providing a voice for participants.
Arts Access Corrections Community Award 2017
Bedtime Stories programme, Arohata Women’s Prison, Wellington
The Bedtime Stories programme enabled women at Arohata Prison to record themselves reading children’s books, with the recordings and books then sent to children and grandchildren around the country.
The programme combined literacy, storytelling and performance while helping women maintain meaningful connections with their whānau.
Judges’ comment:
“This programme has the wow factor! It’s about literacy, communication, creativity and performance. Above all, it’s about its positive impact on both the women and the children.”
Highly Commended: Write Where You Are, Wellington, for helping people in prison express themselves and develop confidence, literacy and communication skills, and Whānau Manaaki for delivering tikanga Māori to men at Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison.
Arts Access CQ Hotels Wellington Community Partnership Award 2017
Ennoble, Tape Art NZ and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision, Wellington
The partners brought together 13 artists from creative spaces in Wellington and Palmerston North to create a large tape art mural at Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision during Disability Pride Week 2016.
The collaborative project created a public platform for disabled artists to express how they saw themselves and how they wanted to be perceived within society.
Judges’ comment:
“The quality of the engagement and strength of the partnerships are outstanding features of this project.”
Highly Commended: Creative Spaces Capsule Project, for its touring exhibition connecting and promoting creative spaces throughout Aotearoa, and Toi Ora Live Art Trust and University of Auckland for their innovative research partnership showcasing the value of creative spaces.
Arts Access Creative New Zealand Arts For All Award 2017
The Court Theatre, Christchurch
The Court Theatre was recognised for embedding accessibility across its performances, venue, audience experience and community programmes.
Its work included relaxed performances, NZSL-interpreted shows, accessible ticketing and facilities, and a targeted theatre and storytelling programme for people living with dementia.
Judges’ comment:
“A standing ovation for The Court Theatre – a champion of inclusion and theatre for everyone. From front-of-house and discounted tickets through to its programming and community outreach, the company is building new audiences and making theatre accessible to diverse audiences.”
Highly Commended: Tim Bray Productions, for its regular NZSL-interpreted performances for Deaf children and audio description for blind and low vision children, and Orchestra Wellington for developing an accessibility policy and building partnerships with the blind community.
Arts Access Artistic Achievement Award 2017
Rodney Bell, Ngāti Maniapoto, Te Kūiti
Internationally recognised dancer Rodney Bell was honoured for a career spanning Aotearoa and the United States and for his leadership and advocacy as a disabled performing artist.
After returning to Aotearoa in 2015, Rodney drew on his life experiences, Māori heritage and disability to create Meremere, in collaboration with choreographer Malia Johnston and Movement Of The Human.
Judges’ comment:
“Rodney Bell’s artistic achievements in Aotearoa and on the international stage are many. His career, leadership and advocacy as a disabled performing artist are outstanding, and it is an honour for us to be able to acknowledge him.”
Highly Commended: Duncan Armstrong, for his artistic achievements and contribution to the arts and disability sectors as a dancer, musician, actor and filmmaker.
Arts Access Corrections Leadership Award 2017
Christchurch Men’s Prison
Christchurch Men’s Prison was recognised for its commitment to arts education and artistic expression as therapeutic, rehabilitative and reintegrative tools across the prison.
Through partnerships with tutors and community organisations, men took part in visual arts, music, drama and kapa haka while developing skills including communication, teamwork, leadership and adaptability.
Judges’ comment:
“Starting with its Youth Unit, Christchurch Men’s Prison has built community partnerships to ensure the arts are an integral part of its rehabilitation programmes across the prison. Clearly, the prison recognises the benefits of the arts to teach new skills, help change lives and develop pathways back into the community.”
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