Making valuable connections and being inspired, refreshed and enriched were among the words frequently used in feedback about Ngā Wāhi Auaha Creative Spaces Conference 2024, organised by Arts Access Aotearoa and held in Wellington on 22 and 23 August.

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.

Keynote speakers and panel discussions challenged, moved and inspired delegates. Workshops informed and encouraged. And a performance by Jolt dancers, who are travelling to Glasgow to perform “Whakapapa” at the Gathered Together festival in early September, delighted their audience.

Of the performance, one delegate summed it up when she said: “It was moving, expressive and emotional. You are amazing performers who tell stories in the most beautiful way.”

Sarah Yuile, Manager of Te Ara Korowai at Raumati Beach on the Kāpiti Coast, said: “We all need community, connection and support, including those who work in and run creative spaces. We found all this at the conference, as well as inspiration, momentum and re-ignited passion for what we do in making our communities a better place.”

And Kate Buckley of the Arts4Me – WestREAP creative space on the West Coast, said: “Your planning and organisation was seamless, and the content was enriching and challenging in equal measure. We all got so much out if it and I can see it both influencing our work and our ways of working for a long time to come.”

Richard Benge, Executive Director, Arts Access Aotearoa says the conference was all about recognising and amplifying the voices of creative spaces and offering them some effective tools so they could be heard.

“The energy and focus of all the delegates drove the conference and united the sector,” Richard says. “The delegates demonstrated what a diverse, fantastic range of leaders and creatives they are.

 “Arts Access Aotearoa is committed to working alongside the sector, providing professional development, funding opportunities and advocacy so they can achieve their potential.”

For Fiona Waitere, who led Arts Access Aotearoa’s conference event team, a highlight of the conference was witnessing leaders, staff and artists of the Creative Spaces Network connect kanohi ki te kanohi. 
"This event provided a great sense of collegial support, also demonstrating the strength we have as an arts advocacy movement," Fiona says.

In the final conference panel, Re-creating Aotearoa, eight creative space leaders shared their vision and hopes for the Creative Spaces Network, reflecting on their key takeaways and how this would help to strengthen their organisations.

“Their passion and enthusiasm were well-received by the conference delegates and made for a cohesive outcome for the two-day conference,” Fiona says.

This page is home to videos, photos and other resources from the conference. These will be posted over the next month.