22 February 2013

It gives me great hope and encouragement when we are given an additional boost to achieve accessible and inclusive arts across communities. Thanks to the Think Differently Campaign run by the Social Campaigns Team, Family & Community Services in the Ministry of Social Development, we have received funding from the Making A Difference fund to do just that. Make a difference.

How?

We are putting together a training programme for a new (yet to be assembled) group of people who will learn how to advocate for access to the arts for disabled people in Auckland. Over five monthly workshops, this new team will learn about Auckland's venues, events, organisations and producers, and what they are already doing to make the arts accessible.

They will also be connected with sector leaders and representatives to work with them to build their own skills and knowledge.

Encouraging greater access

Looking ahead, this group will work together on encouraging greater access to the arts in Auckland and beyond – things that they think are necessary, achievable and different from the norm.

My fellow organisers and I have had our first face-to-face planning meeting and the first workshop is scheduled for Saturday 23 March. I'm excited and I hope you'll be keen to follow our progress.

Do you know somebody who is passionate about the arts and who would like to see accessibility improved? If you live in Auckland, have an impairment and a desire to participate, please talk to us or check out this expression of interest or Word. Numbers are limited to 20 people.