Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Awards (formerly called the Big ‘A’ Awards and then the Arts Access Awards) were introduced in 2007 to acknowledge the contribution of individuals and organisations providing access to the arts. With each year, the awards have grown and in 2011, they moved from the Grand Hall of Parliament into the Banquet Hall to accommodate 212 guests.
In 2019, the awards were renamed Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Awards to recognise the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to Arts Access Aotearoa's kaupapa.
In 2020, Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Awards were presented online for the first time because of COVID-19 restrictions. The online presentation received 1044 website views on the night.
In 2021, the Awards were presented at Te Papa Tongarewa for the first time.
In 2022, the Awards were paused to make room for our fellowships.
Stories of impact
Read stories showing how Arts Access Aotearoa awards have supported artists, creative spaces, and organisations to develop accessible and inclusive projects.
