About Arts Access Aotearoa

Arts Access Aotearoa | Putanga Toi ki Aotearoa works in partnership to increase access to the arts for people in Aotearoa who experience barriers to participation as artists, performers, writers, audience members, and gallery and museum visitors. This includes work in the disability, mental health and Deaf communities, and through a network of community arts organisations called creative spaces.

Through the Arts For All Network, we support individuals and organisations committed to accessible and inclusive arts. We also facilitate Taha Hōtū, a Deaf and Disabled Artists’ Initiative supporting artists to create work, build their creative practice, and develop their careers.

We advise Ara Poutama Aotearoa Department of Corrections on its arts programmes and activities, and advocate for the arts as a tool to support rehabilitation and reintegration for people in prisons.

Arts Access Aotearoa is the leading voice for increased access to the arts. We work with government agencies, arts organisations and communities to drive change. Our Info Hub provides opportunities, resources, and research to support this mahi.

Our vision

Our work is guided by a clear vision of a more inclusive and creative Aotearoa. Our goals are:

• Accessibility is embedded and sustainable in the arts sector.
• Deaf and disabled artists are an integral part of the arts sector, leading and shaping the artistic landscape.
• The creative spaces sector is sustainable and empowered.
• Increased high-quality arts programmes are available in New Zealand prisons and Community Corrections.
• Rangatahi benefit from the delivery of high-quality arts initiatives in youth justice residences.

What we do

All our work is delivered through three strategic focus areas:

How we work

Our mahi is guided by five core values:

• Mōhiotanga – understanding and awareness
• Rangatiratanga – respecting the mana of others
• Whanaungatanga – valuing relationships and partnerships
• Kotahitanga – working in harmony towards shared vision
• Kaitiakitanga – nurturing leadership and serving others

Te Tiriti and Equity statements

Our work is grounded in te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to equity. We recognise the status of Māori as tangata whenua and work to ensure everyone in Aotearoa has equitable access to the arts.

Read our te Tiriti Statement Read our Equity Statement