FAQs

If you want to find out about Arts Access Aotearoa's activities or how we may be able to work with you, this page may answer your questions. If you have any queries, please contact us.

1. What does Arts Access Aotearoa do?

We’re a national organisation focused on providing access to the arts for individuals and communities who may not otherwise have access. Although we have an office in Wellington, Arts Access Aotearoa's reach is national. We work with a network of creative spaces throughout New Zealand. All of our activities are undertaken within five programmes. These are:

• Access and Participation
• Community Development
• Advocacy and Profile
• Information Centre
• Arts in Corrections

2. What is a creative space?

Creative spaces are based in communities, towns and cities throughout New Zealand. Creative spaces are places where people with limited access can make art. Materials and tuition are usually provided free of charge or for a low cost. Some offer an informal, drop-in approach while others are more structured, with programmes and workshops in writing, visual and performing arts. Arts Access Aotearoa maintains a directory of creative spaces.

3. How is Arts Access Aotearoa governed?

Arts Access Aotearoa is a charitable trust, established in 1995. It is governed by a board of up to eight trustees, who have a range of skills and expertise. We also have two patrons: founding patron Mel Smith and patron Miranda Harcourt.

4. Who does Arts Access Aotearoa represent?

We work for and with individuals and communities in New Zealand who face barriers in getting access to the arts, either as creators or as audience members, gallery and museum visitors. This includes people with intellectual, physical and sensory impairments, as well as people with lived experience of mental ill-health. We also facilitate the arts as a tool supporting the rehabilitation of prisoners.

5.  Where does Arts Access Aotearoa get its money from?

Creative New Zealand is Arts Access Aotearoa's core funder. We also have a contract with the Department of Corrections to deliver a prison arts advisory service. In addition, we receive annual funding from Wellington City Council to provide services to Wellington stakeholders.

We apply for funding to philanthropic trusts and city councils to support one-off projects or running costs. Another source of “income” is in-kind, where businesses or organisations offer their services at discounted rates or at no cost. Read about our funders and supporters.

6. Does Arts Access Aotearoa provide funding?

No. However, we may be able to umbrella groups and organisations if the project is a good fit with our strategic objectives.

7. What influence does Arts Access Aotearoa have to help me get funding for my project?

None. We also have to apply to philanthropic trusts and funding bodies. However, we may be able to provide a letter of support to include in your funding application.