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 vision of a more inclusive and creative Aotearoa where all people people in Aotearoa can access and participate in the arts. 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:
The arts are accessible to Deaf and disabled people
- Support sustainable accessibility legislation
- Help arts organisations remove access barriers
- Coordinate Taha Hotu: Deaf and disabled artists’ initiative
The community arts sector is accessible
- Support a national network of creative spaces
- Provide capability building and professional development
- Strengthen collaboration and raise sector profile
The arts are accessible in justice settings
- Support Ara Poutama Aotearoa to embed an Arts in Corrections framework
- Facilitate design and delivery of prison-based arts programmes
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.
Explore more about Arts Access Aotearoa
About us
- 2025 Annual Report – Latest outcomes and insights
- He Wāhi Aroha: A Place of Aroha – 30 years of impact from Arts Access Aotearoa
- Meet our team – People behind the organisation
- Meet our board – Our trustees and governance
- Our funders & supporters – Individuals and organisations who support us through funding.
Help and contact
- FAQs – Common questions answered
- Contact us – Get in touch for more information
Our funders
We acknowledge and thank our funders for their ongoing support of our mahi making the arts accessible to all communities across Aotearoa.
