Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about Arts Access Aotearoa, our programmes and networks, the opportunities and services we provide, and how you can work with us. If you have a question that's not answered here, contact us.
About Arts Access Aotearoa
What is Arts Access Aotearoa?
Arts Access Aotearoa is a national organisation working to improve access to the arts across Aotearoa New Zealand. We work alongside artists, arts organisations, creative spaces, communities, government agencies and funders to remove barriers and strengthen participation in the arts.
Who does Arts Access Aotearoa work with?
We work with people and communities who experience barriers to accessing or participating in the arts, as well as the organisations and people working to remove those barriers. This includes Deaf and disabled artists and audiences, people who use creative spaces, people involved in the justice system, arts organisations and the wider arts sector.
What does Arts Access Aotearoa do?
We provide advocacy, professional development, networks, resources, fellowships and programmes that support greater access to the arts. We also work alongside government agencies and the arts sector on accessibility, arts and justice and other strategic priorities.
How is Arts Access Aotearoa governed?
Arts Access Aotearoa is governed by a board of trustees. You can find out more about our trustees and governance.
We also have two patrons: founding patron Mel Smith and patron Her Excellency The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand.
Our programmes and networks
What is Arts For All?
Arts For All is a national network supporting arts organisations to become more accessible and inclusive for Deaf and disabled artists and audiences. We provide resources, professional development and opportunities for organisations to build accessibility into their work.
What is the Arts For All Network?
The Arts For All Network brings together arts organisations and people working across the sector who are committed to improving accessibility. Members can access resources, learning opportunities, connections and practical guidance.
What is a creative space?
Creative spaces are community-based places where people who experience barriers to participating in the arts can make and develop art. Materials and tuition are often provided free or at low cost. Some are informal, while others offer structured programmes.
What is the Creative Spaces Network?
The Creative Spaces Network connects creative spaces across Aotearoa so they can share knowledge, develop their practice and strengthen opportunities for the people and communities they work with.
What is Taha Hotu Deaf and Disabled Artists Initiative?
Taha Hotu supports Deaf and disabled artists and arts practitioners through professional development, resources, connections and opportunities. It provides opportunities for artists and practitioners to strengthen their practice and contribute to a more accessible arts sector.
What is Arts and Justice?
Arts in Justice supports the use of arts and creativity in prisons and Community Corrections. We work with artists, arts organisations and justice sector partners to support quality arts programmes that contribute to rehabilitation and participation.
What does Arts Access Aotearoa do in prisons?
We work with Ara Poutama Aotearoa Department of Corrections to provide advice and support around arts and creativity programmes in prisons and Community Corrections. This includes supporting artists and organisations delivering arts programmes in justice settings.
Events, training and learning
Does Arts Access Aotearoa run events?
We run and support a range of events through our programmes, including webinars, training, conferences, hui and workshops. These cover areas such as accessibility, creative practice, arts and justice and creative spaces.
Our events calendar also shares accessible arts events from organisations and providers across Aotearoa. To hear about Arts Access Aotearoa events and opportunities, subscribe to our newsletters.
Can Arts Access Aotearoa provide accessibility training?
Yes. We provide training and learning opportunities to help arts organisations and other organisations improve accessibility and inclusion.
Can we arrange tailored learning for our organisation?
Yes. We can work with organisations to develop tailored learning that responds to their needs and context. This may include workshops, presentations, facilitated discussions or other forms of professional development.
Find out about tailored learning or contact us for more info.
Can Arts Access Aotearoa speak at our event?
We may be able to provide a speaker, facilitator or subject matter expert depending on the event and availability. Contact us with details about your event and what you're looking for.
Accessibility and resources
Where can I find Arts Access Aotearoa resources?
We publish practical resources covering accessibility, arts practice, working with the media, resources for Deaf and disabled artists, and much more. These are designed to support artists, arts organisations, creative spaces and the wider sector.
Explore our Arts Access Aotearoa resources, Taha Hotu resources, or Creative Spaces Network resources.
Can Arts Access Aotearoa provide accessibility advice for our organisation?
We provide information, resources, learning and advice to help organisations improve accessibility. Depending on your needs, we may be able to provide tailored learning or connect you with relevant expertise and resources. As of September 2026, our Arts for All Network advisory service has paused while we plan for the year ahead. If you have questions about accessibility within your organisation, join one of our remaining drop-in learning sessions or monthly hui.
Can Arts Access Aotearoa help make our event accessible?
While we don't facilitate accessible events, we can provide information and guidance on accessibility and connect organisations with relevant resources and services. We also offer tailored learning for organisations wanting to build their accessibility knowledge and practice.
Where can I find information about accessible arts practice?
Our Arts For All resources provide practical information to help arts organisations improve access for Deaf and disabled artists and audiences. In particular, our Arts for All guide was developed to support organisations and practitioners in their accessibility development journey.
Where can I find a creative space?
Creative Spaces are found all over the motu. Not all creative spaces are part of our network, but there are many! Use the Creative Spaces Directory over on our dedicated network website to find creative spaces across Aotearoa.
Fellowships and opportunities
Does Arts Access Aotearoa provide fellowships?
Yes. Arts Access Aotearoa administers fellowships that support artists, practitioners and creative spaces to develop their practice, explore new ideas and contribute to a more accessible and inclusive arts sector.
Who can apply for an Arts Access fellowship?
Eligibility varies between fellowships. Some are specifically for Deaf and disabled artists, while others support practitioners, creative spaces or artists with particular experience or areas of practice. Check the individual fellowship information and sign up to our newsletters to learn recieve updates when applications open.
How do I find out when fellowships open?
Fellowship opportunities are announced on our website and shared through our news and In Touch newsletter.
Where can I find other arts opportunities?
We share relevant external opportunities including funding, commissions, residencies and professional development through our news and newsletter.
View our latest news and stories, and opportunities.
Funding
Does Arts Access Aotearoa provide grants or general project funding?
No. Arts Access Aotearoa does not provide general grants or project funding to individuals or organisations. We administer specific fellowships and funded opportunities, and share relevant external funding opportunities when they become available.
Can Arts Access Aotearoa help me find funding?
We don't provide general funding advice or have influence over funding decisions made by other organisations. We do share relevant external funding opportunities through our news and newsletter.
Can Arts Access Aotearoa provide a letter of support for my funding application?
We may be able to provide a letter of support where an application aligns with our work and strategic priorities. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to provide a letter.
Where does Arts Access Aotearoa get its funding?
Our work is supported through a combination of core funding, contracts, grants, philanthropic support, partnerships and donations. Creative New Zealand is our core funder. We also work with Ara Poutama Aotearoa Department of Corrections and receive support from other funders, councils, organisations and individuals.
Can I support a specific programme or fellowship?
There are different ways to support Arts Access Aotearoa. Some partnership opportunities can be connected to specific initiatives, while donations support our wider work.
Working with Arts Access Aotearoa
Can Arts Access Aotearoa work with my organisation?
Yes. We work with arts organisations, creative spaces, government agencies, community organisations, funders and businesses on accessibility, professional development, partnerships and strategic initiatives.
Can I partner with Arts Access Aotearoa?
Yes. We offer partnership opportunities including strategic partnerships, philanthropic support and sponsorship.
Can I commission Arts Access Aotearoa to provide training or learning?
Yes. We can work with organisations to develop tailored learning and professional development that responds to their needs.
Can Arts Access Aotearoa advise on a specific accessibility issue?
Depending on the issue, we may be able to provide information, resources, training or guidance, or direct you to a more appropriate service or organisation. Contact us with details about what you need.
How can I support Arts Access Aotearoa?
You can support our work through a donation, regular giving, partnership or sponsorship.
Still have a question?
If you can't find what you're looking for, get in touch with our team.