Arts Access AotearoaArts Access Aotearoa is calling for applications to its Whakahoa Kaitoi Whanaketanga Creative New Zealand Deaf and Disabled Artists Fellowship 2026, valued at $10,000. The Fellowship supports a Deaf or disabled artist to undertake a project that develops their creative practice.
Sponsored by Creative New Zealand, the annual Fellowship is offered by Arts Access Aotearoa and is open to Deaf or disabled artists, turi Māori or tāngata whaikaha Māori artists, or artists with a disability, impairment or lived experience of mental distress.
The deadline for applications is 5pm Tuesday 3 February 2026.
The 2025 recipient, Auckland illustrator, designer and writer Kim Anderson, says the Fellowship provided the time and financial support needed to explore, experiment and create a graphic novel.
Space, time and resources
“Having the Fellowship gave me breathing room: space, time and resources to create without the usual stress,” Kim says. “There are few opportunities specifically for Deaf and disabled creatives in Aotearoa. This one feels like a real boost, a chance to take your mahi seriously and give it the time it deserves.
“It’s showed me that I can make stuff that other people find interesting and valuable – that my creative voice matters.”
Richard Benge, Executive Director, Arts Access Aotearoa, says it’s “fantastic” that Creative New Zealand is sponsoring this fellowship for a second year, and reflects its commitment to supporting Deaf and disabled artists.
“The fellowship provides recipients with vital time and resources, something that previous recipients Henrietta Bollinger and Kim Anderson really valued,” he says.
Creative New Zealand support for Deaf and disabled artists
Gretchen La Roche, Chief Executive, Creative New Zealand, says the organisation is proud to support the Fellowship through its Tapatahi Accessibility Policy, and to partner with Arts Access Aotearoa for its design and delivery.
“This fellowship is an important way in which Creative New Zealand supports artists from our rich, diverse communities so they can explore, innovate and develop their arts practice,” she says.
“We value the voices of Deaf and disabled artists and the stories they have to tell.”
Information available in various formats
Information about the Fellowship is available on Arts Access Aotearoa’s website, including in New Zealand Sign Language and in EasyRead.
Please visit the Arts Access Aotearoa website for more details and to check your eligibility.
“I’d 100% encourage other creatives to apply. The application process was easy and that made it possible for me to put myself forward,” Kim Anderson says. “It’s flexible, supportive and designed with Deaf and disabled artists in mind. Just do it.”
The recipient will receive $10,000 dollars, plus up to $5000 dollars for access costs. Applications close 5pm Tuesday 3 February 2026. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by early March 2026.
