Use your voice for change
A more accessible arts sector is something we create together.
Artists, audiences, arts workers, creative spaces, whānau and communities all have experiences that can help shape what happens next. Sharing what you know, what you've experienced and what you want to see change can build understanding, influence decisions and make the case for an arts sector where everyone can participate.
You don't need to be an expert or a campaigner to advocate for change. There are many ways to make a difference.
Ways to advocate
Advocacy can look different for everyone. Start with the action that makes sense for you, your experience and the communities you're part of.
Share your story
Stories show what statistics alone can't.
They can demonstrate the difference access makes, bring attention to barriers that need addressing, and help others understand the value of participating in the arts.
Tell us about something that worked. Something that didn't. An opportunity that made a difference to you, your whānau or your community. Or a change you'd like to see.
With your permission, your experience can help strengthen our advocacy and communications with the arts sector, funders, government and the wider public.
Share the impact of the arts
Help make the case for why the arts, and equitable access to them, matter.
Talk about the difference you've seen in your organisation or community. Celebrate the work of Deaf and disabled artists. Share evidence, stories and examples that demonstrate what becomes possible when people have opportunities to create and participate.
You can also use and share our research, impact information and stories in your own conversations and advocacy.
Speak up for change
Accessibility improves when people ask questions, raise barriers and contribute their perspectives.
That might mean giving feedback to an arts organisation, encouraging your workplace to consider accessibility earlier, having your say on a public consultation, or contacting a decisionmaker about an issue that matters to you.
You don't need to know everything about a policy or accessibility issue to contribute. Your experience is evidence too.
Help good ideas travel
Sometimes advocacy is as simple as making sure useful information reaches the right person.
Share an accessibility resource with a colleague. Send an opportunity to an artist who might be interested. Talk about an accessible event you attended. Forward one of our stories to your networks or share our work on social media.
Small actions can introduce new people to ideas, resources and approaches that create change.