“As a Deaf Māori filmmaker and artist, I’m a native NZSL user. My storytelling comes from the body, the hands, the eyes and the spaces between people. They are the foundations of how I think, feel and create.”
“This Fellowship gives me the space to explore Deaf-led cinematic methodology that is culturally grounded and led by NZSL.”
Jared Flitcroft, Whakahoa Kaitoi Whanaketanga Creative New Zealand Deaf and Disabled Artists Fellowship 2026
Read Jared’s fellowship story
About the fellowships
Arts Access Aotearoa offers four fellowships that support artists, practitioners and creative spaces working to increase access to the arts.
Past fellows include Deaf and disabled artists and writers, creative spaces, and artists with lived experience of the justice system.
Whakahoa Kaitoi Whanaketanga Creative New Zealand Deaf and Disabled Artists Fellowship
Supports Deaf and disabled artists to develop new work and advance their creative careers.
Applications closed
Past fellows
Whakahoa Kaitoi Te Puna Toi Arts For All Fellowship
Supports practitioners working to improve access for Deaf and disabled artists and audiences.
Applications closed
Past fellows
Whakahoa Whakawatea Kaitoi Tangata Holdsworth Creative Spaces Fellowship
Supports creative spaces to strengthen practice, explore new approaches and deliver community-centred projects.
Applications closed
Past fellows
Whakahoa Kaitoi i Te Ara Poutama Arts in Corrections Artist Fellowship
Supports artists with lived experience of the justice system, and those working in arts and rehabilitation.
Applications closed
Past fellows
Stories of impact
Read stories showing how Arts Access Aotearoa fellowships have supported artists and creative spaces to develop community-driven projects and improve access to the arts.
Need support or have questions?
We are committed to providing accessible application formats, including NZSL, EasyRead and audio submissions.
Contact us if you would like support with applications, eligibility or accessibility requirements.
Enquire about fellowships