This blog invites posts from anyone with positive intentions and something to say about access to the arts and culture. We also welcome your comments on any of the posts. If you would like to post a blog, please email Iona.
I did stand up comedy part time for five years. I'm in a wheelchair and cannot talk. I used text to speech to speech software to tell jokes. I was originally planning to do it on a more casual basis, something like a set every three months. However that didn't happen as I was asked to enter a regional competition on my first night. I later... Keep Reading
November and December have been busy months for Arts Access Aotearoa, including members of the Arts in Corrections Network. COVID-19 has restricted my travel plans for this year but as restrictions eased, I decided to visit various people and prisons around the country. Keep Reading
I think that people with disabilities should be cast as characters with disabilities. You wouldn't do an Obama movie with a white guy playing him. People probably wouldn't accept a blond guy playing Britney Spears. Keep Reading
I’ve started a tradition of sharing a collection of photos at this time of the year that encapsulate key moments, issues and mahi achieved over the year. Of course, being year of Covid-19, there aren’t a lot of photos of people in close proximity. Keep Reading
In October 2020 I took part in a Zoom comedy festival based in California. I never expected to be taking part in an international festival this year. If was any other year I would have rather been in Palm Springs but to be honest if it wasn't for global travel restrictions I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do it. Doing Zoom shows is... Keep Reading
Working with our sectors to provide the strategic vision and future pathways to strengthen accessible and inclusive arts is an essential part of Arts Access Aotearoa’s work. Without evidence we would find it impossible to advocate effectively for improved funding and support for a sector that delivers accessible and inclusive arts for... Keep Reading
The choice to be an advocate and an agitator in an intentional way came about as I started to put audio description into action – after training in 2014. I’m still working on understanding what that means for and about me. Keep Reading
Talofa lava. Firstly, I want to acknowledge all the recipients of Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Awards 2020 – in particular, the Arts in Corrections award recipients and those who were Highly Commended. It’s exciting work you are doing to provide access to the arts and creativity for people in the justice system. Congratulations and thank you... Keep Reading
Kapiti’s not for profit Wellbeing Centre, Te Ara Korowai, helps people experiencing mental distress through free peer support, holistic wellbeing programmes and creative programmes from its bright and cheery premises in Raumati. Keep Reading
The recent COVID-19 community outbreak in Auckland has served as a harsh reminder that we are still living during a global pandemic as we try to continue with business as usual. Keep Reading
With the general election now set for 17 October – just two months away – it’s time to look back over the past three years and consider how well the country’s done in terms of improving access to the arts for everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand. Keep Reading
In July 2010, Wellington Integrated Dance (WIDance) held its first class. On Saturday 18 July 2020, WIDance held a relatively small gathering with members, their families and friends, and some other supporters, to celebrate its first decade of existence. We had planned to have a full show, but COVID-19 put a stop to that. Keep Reading
Like most people and organisations around the country, Arts Access Aotearoa has been dependent on digital technology over the past three months to maintain communications and connections. Keep Reading
Soundbites and snapchats, hashtags and handles, emojis, likes and shares … We live in an online world where we can communicate instantly with others in our community or across the globe, and in ways that this year we have embraced enthusiastically. Keep Reading
The unavoidable impact of Covid 19 is being felt heavily throughout the arts sector – particularly for organisations and artists reliant on income from audiences, tours, exhibitions, visitor numbers and festivals. Keep Reading
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