Creative Spaces NetworkHow do you deliver a conference to the Creative Spaces Network? Working with a team at Arts Access Aotearoa, that’s what I’ve been engrossed in for the past few months in my role as Creative Spaces Projects Coordinator | Kairuruku a toi Kaupapa.
I recently spoke with an artist from Toi Ora Live Art Trust in Tāmaki Makaurau who talked of their displacement amongst society. They struggled with the transition between secondary school and the rest of life. Toi Ora provided a sense of belonging while providing them with the facilities and support to champion their creative expression, engage in their leadership potential and nurture opportunities they needed to launch into their adult life.
Facilitating Ngā Wāhi Auaha Creative Spaces Conference 2024 has been an absolute honour. I see a network that is bursting at the seams with “good stuff” – good people who offer manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga to build their communities and the lives of individuals living in Aotearoa.
Memorable conferences need themes and narratives. It made absolute sense that advocacy and the stories of our artists are at the heart of it all. Advocating for the Creative Spaces Network and the people and communities they serve is our kaupapa. Working alongside the Creative Spaces Steering Group has aligned with what’s essential and ensured.
None of this would be possible, without the support from Mānatu Taonga Ministry of Culture and Heritage, alongside members of the Creative Spaces Network and the Arts Access Aotearoa teams.
