Arts Access AotearoaAs we finalise our submission to the government’s draft national arts strategy, Arts Access Aotearoa's key message is that the strategy must speak to and reflect the needs and aspirations of everyone across our diverse communities, including Deaf and disabled artists and audiences. Accessibility must be an integral part of this strategy.
Arts Access Aotearoa knows that the lack of accessible formats for the strategy consultation documents is preventing many Deaf and disabled people from engaging with the strategy. This means their voices have been excluded.
We believe everyone should be able to provide their feedback and so if you are making a submission, we hope you can join us in advocating for the importance of accessibility as an integral part of this national strategy. Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage is asking people and organisations in the arts sector to provide feedback by Sunday 15 December.
Amplify: a Creative and Cultural Strategy for New Zealand will inform the decisions that government makes about investment in the arts sector so it’s vital the strategy is informed by our diverse communities. Arts Access Aotearoa encourages everyone in its networks to make their voices heard.
The survey will take around ten to 15 minutes of your time. You may prefer to write your own submission in a Word document about the issues that matter most to you. You can then email Manatū Taonga directly.
What we want to see ...
We would like to see more recognition in the strategy of the organisations and initiatives that already support art, culture and creativity in the community and in justice spaces. In particular we want to see:
- More emphasis on the value of community arts practice and the work done in communities to support social wellbeing.
- More emphasis on the power of the arts to contribute to health and social outcomes, including prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration.
Here are some links and tips to make the process faster and easier.
Making a submission: useful links
1. Visit Amplify: a Creative and Cultural Strategy for New Zealand and read the information. On this webpage, you will find links to:
- reading or downloading the strategy
- making a submission online or filling out the print version.
2. Creative Waikato has a handy summary on some of the Strategy’s key points. Read the summary and its hot tips.
3. Arts Action Now also offers some useful useful guidance, available on its website.
Hot tips from Creative Waikato
- Keep your submission focused on the main areas of the document and its kaupapa. Highlight the parts of the strategy that mean the most to you.
- Use your own words. Talk from your unique experience, expertise and position. Your point of view is important.
- You don’t have to answer all the questions. Anything you submit makes a difference.
- Remember that any time you submit to the government, your submission is not anonymous. It can be made public and connected to your name.
- Encourage colleagues in other organisations to fill out the consultation too.
If you have any questions about Amplify or the consultation or have accessibility requirements, please contact consultation@mch.govt.nz
