Arts Blog

The Shifting the Stream forum conversation quickly moved beyond funding to something much bigger, blogs Fiona Sharp Keep Reading

Lachlan Oakes and Joel Forman are dance teachers with Ōtautahi-based inclusive dance company Jolt Dance. In November last year they travelled to South Korea for a residency with Korean inclusive dance company Light Sound Friends. Keep Reading

I first attended Toi Ora in Auckland in 2010, soon after I became blind. My background at that time was in fine art. I loved painting, drawing, photography and printmaking. So becoming blind was devastating. I was very unsure of how I could channel my creativity as I felt that visual art was my main strength. Keep Reading

Creative spaces are very good at recognising impact. You see it when people walk through the door for the first time and gradually find their feet. You feel it in the shift in energy in the room, the new connections forming, the confidence that grows through making, sharing and belonging. You hear it in the stories people tell about what... Keep Reading

I was recently asked to share a few thoughts about the arts sector, especially in relation to disability and mental health. Having worked in a creative space for more than 20 years, I thought it would be easy. Yet, the more I thought about it, the more muddled my thoughts became. There is so much to say. Keep Reading

I remember clearly the first day I arrived at Magenta Creative Space: the warm and welcoming smiles, the non-judgemental casual vibe of the place, and the endless possibilities to create, with all kinds of art supplies provided. Keep Reading

At Art for All, creativity is more than an outlet—it’s a pathway to growth, inclusion, and leadership. One inspiring example is Lea, a participant who, through the support of Volunteer New Zealand and funding from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage (MCH), has transitioned into a tutor volunteer role. One of the goals of the Ministry of... Keep Reading

Recognising the economic and social contribution of the arts, the government has drafted Amplify, a creative and cultural investment strategy for Aotearoa New Zealand. It wants our feedback by Sunday 15 December. Keep Reading

Fiona Sharp, our Creative Spaces Projects Coordinator | Kairuruku a toi Kaupapa, has been working behind the scenes, organising Ngā Wāhi Auaha Creative Spaces Conference 2024 to ensure it will be a fantastic event. Keep Reading

The results of Creative New Zealand’s latest survey findings, published in New Zealanders and the Arts—Ko Aotearoa me ōna Toi, are a goldmine. They provide us with benchmarked data we can all use to advocate for the benefits of the arts to Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy, identity, wellbeing and international reputation. Keep Reading