Arts For All Network Programme 2026

The Arts For All Network has an exciting programme of online and in person presentations, hui and meetups for 2026, to keep members connected, share accessibility goals and mahi, and work together to remove barriers to the arts.

The entire programme is free to Arts For All Network members.

Jump to: Online Hui | Drop-in Learning | In-Person Hui | How to Take Part

Online hui programme

We have 10 online sessions, one each month February-November, to keep members from across Aotearoa connected with each other and provide a space for learning, connection and sharing.

Three types of online hui:

Monthly Meetups (regular connection and discussion)
Webinars (experts presenting on specific topics)
Guest Q&A sessions (asking Deaf and disabled arts professionals about their lived experience).

Accessibility: NZSL interpreters can be provided for these online hui by request. For this reason, registration closes 7 days before the hui's scheduled date.

Upcoming online hui sessions

Wednesday 18 February, 1:00pm-2:00pm

Monthly Meetup: Start-of-year Network hui

Connect with Network members to kick off 2026 by sharing your accessibility goals, plans and questions in a supporting and collaborative space.

Registration: Registrations have now closed.

Accessibility: NZSL interpreters available by request

Wednesday 18 March, 1:00pm-2:00pm

Monthly Meetup: Collective action

How can we work more closely as a Network to share resources, knowledge and ideas in the arts accessibility space?

Registration: By 4:00pm Wednesday 3 March

Accessibility: NZSL interpreters available by request

Wednesday 15 April, 1:00pm-2:00pm

Webinar: Accessible technology – Auracast

Learn from a panel of four accessibility and technology experts about Auracast, a cutting-edge hearing assistive technology. More than a hearing loop, the webinar will explore how this system can support hearing aid users and also provide audio description, sensory access and innovative arts programmes.

Panellists: Nicola Owen (Director of Audio Described Aotearoa), Phil Sargent (New Zealand Account Manager, Jands NZ), Dr Lisa Seerup (President of Hearing New Zealand), and Carla Thornton (Strategic Market Development Manager, NSL Group).

Registration: By 4:00pm Friday 8 April

Accessibility: This session will be NZSL interpreted by Platform Interpreting NZ

Future online hui sessions

20 May, 1:00pm-2:00pm – Monthly Meetup
17 June, 1:00pm-2:00pm – Guest Q&A
15 July, 1:00pm-2:00pm – Monthly Meetup
12 August, 1:00pm-2:00pm – Monthly Meetup
16 September, 1:00pm-2:00pm – Guest Q&A
14 October, 1:00pm-2:00pm – Webinar
18 November, 1:00pm-2:00pm – End-of-year Celebration

Details and registration links will be added closer to each session.

Drop-in learning sessions

Starting in April 2026, drop-in learning sessions will be available to Network members at the start of the month. Katie will be jumping on Zoom for a quick deep dive into topics that are in high demand among Network members.

These drop-in Zoom sessions will include 20-30 minutes of 'how-to' information from Katie, and the rest of the hour will be open for questions. Sessions focus on general arts accessibility projects, resources and concepts and are designed specifically for Network members working in arts organisations. The aim is to answer commonly asked questions and share key information in a collective space, so we can benefit from learning together.

Note: Sessions are available at 10:00-11:00am and 1:00-2:00pm on the first Thursday of each month (unless otherwise noted). Unfortunately, these drop-in sessions will not have NZSL interpreters available until further notice.

Upcoming drop-in sessions

Thursday 2 April: Introduction to the Arts For All Network

Make sure you are getting the most out of your Arts For All Network membership by learning about all the resources, tools and connections available from the Network to support your arts accessibility mahi. If you're new to the Network or been connected for years, attend to learn more about the 2026 programme, the in-person hui, and the advisory service, as well as our resource library, events calendar and newsletter.

Thursday 7 May: Website accessibility information

Exactly what accessibility information needs to be included on your website? Where should this information go, and what formats should you use? We will explore examples of best practice and how to break down the task to fit your schedule, budget and expertise.

Thursday 4 June: Creating a welcome video for your space or event

Welcome videos can be an accessibility tool, marketing and a showcase all rolled into one. We'll explore setting up a welcome video script, tips for filming and editing and how to make one resource provide access for as many people as possible.

Details and registration links for the following drop-in sessions will be added closer to each session. Check back here and in the Arts For All Network News email for updates.

2 July: Find your language – describing an accessible event or space
6 August: Create a visual guide
10 September: Accessible marketing (note: this session will happen the second Thursday of the month)
1 October: Accessible audition notices, expressions of interest and job opportunities
5 November: To be announced

In-person hui programme

The Arts For All Network is visiting eight regions in 2026 for in-person hui. These hui are a chance for local Arts For All Network members to connect with each other and share work, thoughts and ideas for increasing arts accessibility.

Accessibility Information: Hui are 2.5 hours in duration. All venues are wheelchair accessible. NZSL interpreters can be provided for some hui, by request. Support persons and service dogs are welcome.

Regional hui schedule

May 2026

Canterbury - 26 May (TBC)
Otago - 28 May

June 2026

Wellington - TBC

August 2026

Hawke's Bay - 18 August
Bay of Plenty - 25 August
Waikato - 27 August
Auckland - 31 August

September 2026

Taranaki - 2 September (TBC)

Are you interested in hosting a regional hui in your venue? Email afa@artsaccess.org.nz or call 04 802 4349 to express your interest.

How to take part

Alongside the information on this page, invitations to the online hui programme events will be included at the top of each monthly Arts For All Network News email, sharing the date, time, topic, and a registration link.

Invitations to in-person hui will be sent directly to your email inbox.

Not Receiving Our Emails? Email afa@artsaccess.org.nz or follow the link in the button below to fill in the Arts For All Network registration form.

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