Left: a group of Arts in Corrections educators and artists attended a wānanga in May 2024 to discuss and share knowledge about the planned guide Right: The cover of Te Ara ki Runga, including an image of a carved work by Mark Lang.

Te Ara ki Runga, a guide to delivering Arts in Corrections

Te Ara ki Runga The Path Up was developed by Arts Access Aotearoa to support both new and established Arts in Corrections educators delivering arts programmes in New Zealand prisons.

Grounded in te ao Māori, best practice and evidence-based pedagogy, the guide encourages a culturally responsive, trauma-informed approach. It’s divided into six chapters, each supporting a different stage in the educator’s journey.

• Chapter 1 presents essential background information to highlight the creative and diverse scope of the sector. 
• Chapter 2 shares examples of existing programmes to demonstrate best practice in different contexts and celebrate the ongoing work of the Network. 
• Chapter 3 highlights the importance of cultural competency through the knowledge and insights of experienced Māori practitioners.
• Chapter 4 emphasises the importance of self-care and resilience for successful and sustainable mahi. 
• Chapter 5 provides a list of questions you can use to guide you in creating a tangible programme proposal that you can present to Ara Poutama Aotearoa or other potential funders for consideration.
• Chapter 6 includes further resources, research, a glossary of te reo Māori terms, and guidance on how arts programmes can support the Hōkai Rangi Strategy.
  

Please get in touch with Neil Wallace, the Arts in Corrections Advisor (neil.wallace@artsaccess.org.nz 04 802 4349) if you have any queries.

Additional resources and updates

Course for Arts in Corrections educators 

Arts Access Aotearoa has created a ten-week online training programme, based on Te Ara ki Runga. Facilitated by Neil Wallace, it is free and open to artists and educators serious about delivering safe, culturally respectful and effective programmes in Corrections settings. Following the completion of his first course, Neil is seeking expressions of interest for a second course.

Whakapapa, a foundation for rehabilitation

With whakapapa a deliverable of Ara Poutama Aotearoa’s Hōkai Rangi Strategy, the Arts in Corrections sector has a powerful opportunity to support men and women in prison so they can heal, achieve wellbeing and, ultimately, be rehabilitated.

“It’s a journey that we are better placed to support in other people if we ourselves have taken steps along the road,” writes Neil Wallace in his latest blog.