Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Awards 2020
Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Awards 2020 celebrated the diversity of Aotearoa’s arts community, recognising artists, creative spaces, and organisations that increase access to the arts. The event was presented online for the first time by Arts Access Aotearoa, in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. An NZSL translated recording of the awards is available at the top of this page.
Executive Director Richard Benge said at the time that access to the arts is a fundamental human right. “During the pandemic, we saw how creativity supported people’s wellbeing. These awards highlight the artists and communities who make that access possible and reflect the richness and diversity of Aotearoa.”
Arts Access Accolade 2020
The Arts Access Accolade was presented to Judith Jones, an audio describer and advocate for inclusion who leads sensory tours at Te Papa Tongarewa. Chosen by the staff and board of Arts Access Aotearoa, Judith was recognised for her generosity, deep knowledge, and commitment to improving accessibility in the arts.
Award recipients
Six other recipients were recognised across a range of categories:
- Arts For Health Community Trust, Hamilton – Arts Access Holdsworth Creative Space Award 2020, for 30 years of community arts programmes promoting empowerment and wellbeing. Read more
- Rue-Jade Morgan, Dunedin – Arts Access Corrections Māui Tikitiki ā Taranga Award 2020, for his leadership and work mentoring men at Otago Corrections Facility. Read more
- MIX and Arts on High (Hutt City), Pablos Art Studio and Vinnies Re Sew (Wellington), and The Shed Project (Kāpiti Coast) – Arts Access Creative New Zealand Community Arts Award 2020, for their collaborative project Get A Hat, Get A Head at Wellington Museum. Read more
- Tim Bray Theatre Company, Auckland – Arts Access Creative New Zealand Arts For All Award 2020, for its leadership in making children’s theatre accessible since 2004. Read more
- Duncan Armstrong, Northland/Wellington – Arts Access PAK’nSAVE Artistic Achievement Award 2020, for his contribution to performing arts and advocacy for disability representation. Read more
- Redemption Performing Arts Whānau and Tuakana Teina Mentors, Northland Region Corrections Facility – Arts Access Corrections Whai Tikanga Award 2020, for their peer-mentoring and leadership within the prison community. Read more
Highly Commended recipients
Highly Commended certificates were also awarded to several individuals and organisations, including:
- Kākano Youth Arts Collective, Auckland
- Leonie Aben, Hawkes Bay Regional Prison
- WIDance for The Art of Observation, Wellington
- Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
- Pelenakeke Brown, Auckland
- Liz Manson, Dunedin
- Home Ground programme, Wellington
Trophies by Hedy Ankers
Ceramic artist Hedy Ankers created the 2020 trophies, continuing the legacy of the late Robert Rapson. Working from Vincents Art Workshop and the Wellington Potters Association, Hedy designed five unique pieces, each telling its own story through form and decoration. Read more
The 2020 awards remain a milestone in recognising how creativity, inclusion, and leadership strengthen communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
