Jazz Lolesio is the Arts Access Activator Auckland Whakahohe a Toi Putanga ki Tāmaki Makaurau at Arts Access Aotearoa. In this role, she supports and strengthens the Creative Spaces Network across Tāmaki Makaurau.

This means working alongside creative spaces, artists, community organisations, cultural leaders and funders to build meaningful connections and increase opportunities for Aucklanders to participate in the arts.

Jazz has more than 20 years' experience working in music, broadcasting and event management. She is also the founder and Executive Director of Island Base FM and has led a range of community-focused initiatives through her charitable trust.

Jazz is passionate about Pacific cultures and creative expression, and creating pathways for under-represented communities to thrive. She’s committed to collaboration, and believes connected creative spaces play a vital role in building inclusive, resilient communities.

Jazz answers three questions posed by Arts Access Aotearoa.

1. What's a key focus of your work in Tāmaki Makaurau this year?

A key focus is strengthening connections between creative spaces across Tāmaki Makaurau. The Creative Spaces Network currently has 24 members in the Auckland region. They do incredible work across a range of artforms, ages, cultures and communities. 

Many of them operate independently and are often focused on meeting the immediate needs of their communities. My role is to help create opportunities for these spaces to connect, learn from each another and work together.

This happens in various ways, including through networking events, site visits and online communications, introducing organisations that may not have crossed paths.

I'm also working to ensure creative spaces are aware of the resources, professional development opportunities and support available through the Creative Spaces Network.

Auckland is geographically large and culturally diverse, which can sometimes make it difficult for organisations to feel connected to a wider network. By creating stronger relationships and encouraging collaboration, we can build a more supportive creative ecosystem – one where people share knowledge, celebrate successes and collectively advocate for the value of community arts and creative expression. 

Ultimately, the goal is for every creative space to feel part of something bigger than their individual organisation.

2. What are the benefits of belonging to the Creative Spaces Network?

It’s all about connection. Being part of a connected Creative Spaces Network offers significant benefits. For example, the charitable trust I founded, Island Base FM, recently joined the Network. 

This has provided access to valuable relationships, shared knowledge and a greater understanding of the community arts sector. It's also reassuring to know there’s a network of people facing similar challenges and working towards similar goals.

One of the greatest strengths of the Network is the opportunity to learn from others – a place to exchange ideas, share best practice, collaborate on projects and discover new approaches to engaging their communities.

At its heart, the Network is about building connections between artists, participants and organisations. This can lead to partnerships, referrals, innovative projects and new programmes.

There’s strength in numbers. When creative spaces work together, they have a stronger collective voice to advocate for the impact of creativity on wellbeing, inclusion and community resilience.

Joining the Creative Spaces Network is straightforward. Organisations simply need to be committed to providing creative opportunities that support participation, inclusion and community wellbeing. The Arts Access Aotearoa team works closely with prospective members to help them understand the Network and identify how they can benefit from being involved.

3. What is your vision for the Auckland Creative Spaces Network over the next five years?

I want to see a Creative Spaces Network that truly reflects the diversity of Tāmaki Makaurau and ensures all communities can participate in the arts. I'd like to see stronger representation from Māori, Pacific and other culturally diverse communities, as well as greater visibility for the incredible creative work happening in South Auckland.

South Auckland is rich in culture, talent and creativity, and yet many organisations continue to face barriers to funding, visibility and access to wider networks. Over the next five years, I'd like to see more creative spaces from this part of the city actively connected into the Network and recognised for their contribution to Auckland's cultural landscape.

I also hope to see deeper collaboration across regions, with more creative spaces regularly sharing resources, skills and opportunities. A strong Network is one where knowledge flows both ways and where every member feels their voice is valued.

Ultimately, I want the Auckland Creative Spaces Network to be known as a welcoming, inclusive and culturally responsive community that champions creativity as a powerful tool for connection, wellbeing and positive social change.

The Auckland Creative Spaces Network is facilitated by Arts Access Aotearoa and supported by Auckland Council, Foundation North and Ember Innovations. 

Find out about the creative spaces in the Auckland region