Meet the artists recognised for outstanding achievement, creative leadership and their contribution to the arts in Aotearoa.
The Arts Access Artistic Achievement Award was introduced in 2012 as part of Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Awards. Its inaugural recipient was circus performer Sarah Houbolt.
The award recognised the outstanding artistic achievement and contribution of a New Zealand-based artist with a physical, sensory or intellectual impairment, or lived experience of mental distress.
Together, the recipients represent a wide range of artforms, experiences and perspectives. Through their creative practice and advocacy, they have helped build a more diverse and inclusive arts sector in Aotearoa.
2021
“Art can smash perceptions and boundaries and Lusi wields one of the biggest hammers.”
Rose Kirkup, artistic director of Everybody Cool Lives Here
Lusi Faiva was recognised for her contribution to performance and for challenging perceptions about disability through her work as a dancer and artist.
2020
"Everything about Duncan Armstrong’s artistic achievements has the wow factor! He’s produced a significant body of work across a range of artforms. He’s demonstrated enormous perseverance in overcoming obstacles and pursuing his career, and his list of achievements is thoroughly deserved.”
Judging Panel 2020
Duncan Armstrong began acting at primary school and went on to build a career across theatre, film and performance. He was recognised for breaking down barriers faced by disabled performers and for pursuing his artistic ambitions with determination.
2017
“My performance is an accumulation of many layers: my disability, my Māori heritage, my experience on the streets, my passion for movement and connection.”
Rodney Bell’s work draws together identity, lived experience, movement and connection. Through dance, he brings awareness to the stories and values that matter to him.
(external website)
2016
“I love the immediacy of uku: sensing moisture, heat, firmness and softness, pliability, and taking that lump of clay and modelling it into an aesthetically beautiful form.”
David Cameron was recognised for his ceramic practice and the way he uses uku to explore form, storytelling and the unpredictable effects of fire and glaze.
(external website)
2015
“We all got our musical ability from my grandfather. Dad was very good on the saxophone and trumpet, and his dream was to see us in a family band.”
Pati Umaga was recognised for a creative career shaped by music, family and community, and for using performance as a source of expression and empowerment
2014
Ceramic artist Robert Rapson created the Arts Access Awards trophies for four years before receiving one himself. He was presented with the 2014 Artistic Achievement Award in recognition of his own creative practice.
Read more about Robert Rapson
2013
Composer, musician, sound designer and director Andrew McMillan was recognised for a practice grounded in people, community and original expression. His work challenges the commercial pressures that can limit creativity and connection.
Read more about Andrew McMillan
2012
“I could relate to these performers finding a space for themselves on the fringes, and I think it’s important that we tell their stories rather than shying away from them.”
Circus performer Sarah Houbolt was the inaugural recipient of the award. She was recognised for her work creating and performing KooKoo, inspired by a historical performer with a similar disability to her own.
Read more about Sarah HouboltLearn more about Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Awards, explore recipients from other award categories and find out why the programme is currently on hiatus.
Visit our awards page
