Arts Access Aotearoa“A heady filmic and live exploration of New Zealand culture delivered in an exceptional way … utter perfection,” wrote a reviewer of Jolt’s performance of Whakapapa at the Gathered Together 24 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Jolt, a creative space in Ōtautahi Christchurch, performed at the international inclusive dance festival in early September. Whakapapa shares the stories of six dancers: Jacob Levington, Joel Forman, Jokani Coe and Lachlan Oakes performing live, with Robert Sopoaga and Jono Bennett performing on film.
The dancers are also Move-trained teachers and delivered a workshop, showcasing Jolt’s approach to leadership and inclusive teaching.
Artistic Director Lyn Cotton founded Jolt in 2001 and attended our conference. Thank you, Lyn, for your vision, leadership, innovation and determination over many years.
We were very fortunate that Jolt performed an excerpt of Whakapapa at Ngā Wāhi Auaha Creative Spaces Conference 2024, organised by Arts Access Aotearoa and held in Wellington on 22 and 23 August.
Of Jolt’s performance, one delegate summed it up for all of us when she said: “It was moving, expressive and emotional. You are amazing performers who tell stories in the most beautiful way.”
Immersed in keynote speakers, panel discussions and workshops
There were many highlights over the two days as delegates immersed themselves in keynote speakers, panel discussions and workshops. And conversations – lots of them.
This video, created by Danny Aumua, captures the passion, energy and focus of the delegates. In the video, I say “The space, the creative activity and the tutors are the key ingredients to the successful formula for creative spaces. And the other part is sustainable investment.”
Funded by Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, the conference was attended by 150 creative space leaders, art tutors and artists from around the country at the Wellington venue, with an additional 60 joining online.
The event was all about recognising and amplifying the voices of creative spaces and offering them some effective tools to tell their stories. In their feedback, delegates particularly valued the opportunity to connect with each other. Being inspired, refreshed and enriched were also among the words frequently used.
Creating digital content
Among the advocacy tools we’ve been able to offer creative spaces is digital content, produced by filmmaker Danny Aumua and digital marketing specialist Bobbie Gray.
Danny has been travelling the country, capturing some fantastic stories of creative spaces. You can view them on the Creative Spaces Network YouTube channel.
Meanwhile, Bobbie has been building the profile of the Creative Spaces Network website, Facebook page and Instagram account to help ensure a wider audience gets to learn about the value that creative spaces bring to communities around Aotearoa.
Conference resources
We'll be adding videos and other resources from the conference The Creative Spaces Network website over the next month. Here are two resources already on the website:
- Catherine Falstie-Jensen, Foundation North's Assessment Team Lead, shared valuable tools and strategies on applying for funding in the current economic climate in Aotearoa. Read more at Grants funding support
- Aperahama Hurihanganui’s workshop introduced tikanga Māori, exploring the history, meaning, philosophy, application and examples of tikanga Māori from both a historical and contemporary context. Read more at Tikanga Māori: Aperahama Hurihanganui
Arts Access Aotearoa is committed to working alongside the sector, providing professional development, funding advice and advocacy so creative spaces can meet the demand for their services and achieve their potential.
