Arts Access AotearoaAs we draw 2024 to a close, the Arts Access Aotearoa team reflects on the milestones, achievements and transformative moments that have shaped our year. From building connections across Aotearoa to strengthening the Creative Spaces Network and delivering the Regeneration Fund projects, the past twelve months have been a testament to the power and importance of inclusion and access to the arts for everyone to the arts for everyone in Aotearoa.
Here are some highlights from our journey in 2024.
Katie Querin, Arts For All Activator Whakahohe a Toi Ōritetanga
The Arts For All Network is the largest disability-led arts accessibility network in Aotearoa and this year we added a new way to keep connected: we introduced monthly online meetups. Meetups offer a chance for individuals and organisations from across the motu to connect, share and learn from each other regularly. These virtual gatherings complement our national hui and regional in-person hui, creating more opportunities for connection, learning, and collaboration across the motu.
Last year, Arts For All members delivered 319 accessible events and services – a figure we are confident will be surpassed this year. These meetups have sparked fresh ideas, inspired discussions, and helped drive forward our accessibility mahi.
Stace Robertson, Lead Accessibility Advisor Kaiārahi a Toi Ōritetanga
Kaite O'Reilly is an Irish writer, theatre maker and dramaturg, working in disability arts and culture and mainstream culture. Her work is proudly “crip” and steeped in disability artistry and what she describes as the “aesthetics of access”.
Her presentation was full of encouragement and provocations, which were a much-needed boost at a time when the government was making cuts to disability support funding.
Kaite shared the political context behind her work and her process for embedding access creatively within her artistic practice.
Following the presentations, we held closed hui for Deaf and disabled people – a space for connection across Deaf and disability cultures. Spaces like this are still rare, and there was excitement and a strong desire for more. As we prepare to launch Taha Hotu, our new Deaf and disabled artists initiative, I’m excited to build on the connections and conversations sparked this year.
Fiona Sharp, Creative Spaces Network Development Advisor
When I think of 2024, I think of this stunning moment: a heartwarming interaction between Michelle and Hannah Dawson, a mother and daughter from CS Arts Whare Toi in Invercargill. They travelled from the deep south to join our creative spaces whānau at the Ngā Wāhi Auaha Creative Spaces Network Conference 2024. Their smiles say it all!
Hosting 130 representatives from creative spaces across the motu was a privilege. These leaders and staff bring life-changing manakitanga to communities every day. Their tireless work uplifts individuals, providing care, creativity, and belonging. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata -- it truly is about the people.
Neil Wallace, Arts In Corrections Advisor Kaiārahi A Toi Ara Poutama
A standout moment this year was collaborating with an extraordinary team to create Te Ara ki Runga, Arts Access Aotearoa’s guide to delivering high-quality arts programmes in prisons. It was a privilege to work alongside members of the Arts in Corrections Network and our dedicated team, including Andy, Ren, Caleb, Cae, Stace, Iona, Sophie, and Richard.
The unveiling of Mark Lang’s carving, Toi te kaitiaki o te wairua o te tangata, commissioned for the guide’s cover, marked a pivotal moment. This taonga symbolises the wairua of our mahi and stands as a kaitiaki for the work we do to bring the rehabilitative and transformational power of the arts to people behind the wire.
This collaborative journey has been a golden thread woven through the year, and I’m grateful to be part of such an amazing team.
Jazz Lolesio, Arts Access Activator Auckland Whakahohe a Toi Putanga ki Tāmaki Makaurau
Reflecting on 2024, I’m struck by the incredible growth in Tāmaki Makaurau’s creative spaces. This year, Māpura Studios shone on the world stage at ArtPara - Shine Together in Paris, held during the 2024 Paralympics.
Director Diana McPherson shared insights at the World Disability Leaders Forum, highlighting the unique strengths of disability arts in Aotearoa and opening global doors for our disabled artists.
Aotearoa was proudly represented by two talented artists: Ululau Ama and Matthew Allerby. Ululau received the Creative New Zealand Pacific Toa Award in 2022, while fellow Māpura Studios artist Falefatu Enari was the recipient of the 2024 award, along with musician Max Stowers.
What a milestone for our artists, showcasing the talent and vision of Aotearoa’s disabled creatives on an international platform.
Through connection, creativity, and commitment, 2024 has been a year of empowerment and progress. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to championing accessibility, inclusion and the transformational power of the arts.
