Funding opportunities
Arts Access Aotearoa creates and supports opportunities that help artists, arts organisations and communities grow, connect and participate in the arts. Through fellowships, professional development, national networks and funded programmes, we support a more accessible and inclusive arts sector across Aotearoa.
Fellowships
Arts Access Aotearoa administers fellowships supporting artists, practitioners and creative spaces to develop their practice, explore new ideas and contribute to a more accessible and inclusive arts sector.
Fellowship opportunities open at different times. Check our website, news and newsletter for future opportunities.
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: Kim Anderson (2025), Henrietta Bollinger (2023), Ari Kerssens (2022)
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: Emily Duncan (2023), Charlotte Nightingale (2022)
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: The White Room Creative Space (2023), Magenta Creative Space (2022)
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: Phillipa Mita (2023), Salā Roseanne Leota (2022)
Professional development and networks
Our funding also supports professional development, networks and practical resources that strengthen access and participation across the arts sector.
Taha Hotu
Supports Deaf and disabled artists and arts practitioners to develop their practice, build connections and contribute to a more accessible arts sector.
Learn moreCreative Spaces Network
A national network supporting creative spaces to connect, share knowledge and strengthen opportunities for people who experience barriers to participation in the arts.
Learn moreArts For All Network
A national network helping arts organisations build accessibility into their work and create better experiences for Deaf and disabled artists and audiences.
Learn moreArts in Justice
Supporting quality arts programmes and opportunities for people in prisons and Community Corrections, and artists working in justice settings.
Learn moreExternal funding and opportunities
We also share funding, commissions, residencies and professional development opportunities from other organisations when they are relevant to artists, arts organisations and our wider communities.
These opportunities are shared through our news and newsletter as they become available.
Funding FAQs
Have questions about Arts Access Aotearoa's funding, fellowships or external opportunities? Read our funding FAQs
Help us create more opportunities
Support from individuals, organisations and businesses helps Arts Access Aotearoa continue this work and respond to emerging opportunities across the arts sector.
