Useful resources
This page contains resources and publications. Please let us know about any resources you think others would enjoy reading on topics related to arts access.
Arts Access Aotearoa publications
Over the years, we’ve published a number of books about cultural community development, art spaces and programmes for people and communities with limited access to the arts. These include the following titles.
Arts For All: increasing access to the arts for disabled people
The arts are for everyone. Arts Access Aotearoa updated and published the second edition of Arts for All in April 2014. This guide provides practical and long-term ways for artists, arts organisations, venues, touring companies, festivals and venues to enhance their access, market their events to the disabled community and build new audiences.
Arts in Corrections: A Literature Review
This literature review summarises the international research about the impact of the arts in correctional settings and how they support rehabilitation, education, wellbeing, and reintegration. Commissioned by Arts Access Aotearoa and prepared by Dr Amanda Gardner.
Resources
New Zealand resources
CNZ: Changing the story on arts, culture and creativity in Aotearoa
A guide for arts advocates that provides advice and practical ideas for building support for change. Includes multiple download formats and a Q&A video.
CNZ: Practical advocacy tips
A list of actions you can take to advocate for the value of the arts, including contacting local councillors and mayors.
CNZ: Data and insights on the value of arts and culture
Provides evidence to support funding applications and policy advocacy. Essential for convincing politicians and funders of the importance of the arts.
Disability Toolkit for Policy
Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People has developed a tool to help policymakers understand how their decisions affect disabled people and consider policies through a disability lens.
Copyright Licensing New Zealand
Offers licensing management for artists and writers, negotiating terms and ensuring payment. Provides permission for organisations to use art for promotional or commercial purposes, including brochures, catalogues, and online use.
Universal design in Auckland
The Auckland Design Manual
provides guidance for designing buildings, streets, parks, and homes. Its Universal Design section covers inclusive design for diverse users, including considerations for disability, ageing, and life events
CNZ: Community Arts Tool Kit
Creative New Zealand Community Arts Tool Kit: Keteparaha Mō Ngā Toi Hapori offers videos, tips, tools, and examples of successful community arts projects across Aotearoa.
Demonstrating the value of your work
Creative & INCredible Aotearoa is a beginner-friendly resource that helps artists and arts organisations gather evidence, tell stories about their work, and access support. Created by Amber Walls and Rachael Trotman.
International resources
UK: Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of musicians
This UK guide offers tips for musicians and their support teams on mental health, mindfulness, and managing common conditions.
US: Cost of Accommodations Report
This report explores the impact of limited workplace access for disabled people in film and television, including the real cost of accommodations. It provides resources to request accommodations and remove industry barriers.
US: Accessibility in the Arts – A promise and a practice
A guide for small-scale arts organisations on meeting the needs of disabled communities. Covers barriers to access and solutions, and notes that access info should be clearly visible, not hidden.
UK: Access to Work
Arts Council England and Disability Arts Online provide a plain-English guide to Access to Work, a UK employment support programme for disabled people. Each section is also available as a video that includes British Sign Language (BSL) and optional captions.
Arts Council blog
This blog explains why the guide was needed, the challenges disabled people face in arts employment, and how Access to Work can make a difference. It highlights the low representation of disabled people in arts organisations and offers practical guidance for employers and artists.
Disability Arts Online article
This article provides an overview of the guide, including its three sections for self-employed workers, employees, and employers. It also highlights complementary resources like case studies from Graeae Theatre Company and practical advice for applying to Access to Work.
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