Arts Access Aotearoa is marking 30 years of driving accessibility and inclusion in the arts for people and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand, often excluded from cultural life.

The organisation was founded as a charitable trust on 27 July 1995 with funding from Creative New Zealand and led by Penny Eames from 1995 until 2004. The late Mel Smith CNZM was the founding board Chair and became its Patron in 2002. The Patron in 2025 is Her Excellency, The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand.

Access to the arts a basic human right

Arts Access Aotearoa was built on the belief that access to the arts is a basic human right – a belief that’s remained steadfast over 30 years. In that time, it has led the national conversation about arts accessibility and inclusion.

Today, it supports creative spaces, professional arts and cultural organisations, and Deaf and disabled artists. It also advises Te Ara Poutama Aotearoa Department of Corrections on its arts programmes in prisons, and advocates for the arts as a valuable tool supporting prisoner rehabilitation.

Richard Benge, Executive Director of Arts Access Aotearoa, says the 30-year milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s impact and look forward to the work ahead.

“Access to creativity is about equity, opportunity and dignity,” he says. “Over 30 years, we’ve seen countless examples of the arts transforming lives – in prisons, communities, theatres, museums and art galleries.

“Our focus now is to build on that legacy and ensure every person in Aotearoa has access to the arts as artists and audience members.”

National reach and impact

The numbers reflect Arts Access Aotearoa’s national reach and its impact:

• 65 creative spaces are supported to deliver arts programmes in communities across the motu.
• 40,000+ people engage regularly in art-making in creative spaces.
• 970+ individuals and organisations are members of the Arts For All Network, facilitated by Arts Access Aotearoa.
• 300+ accessible events and services (e.g. NZSL interpreted performances, audio described gallery tours, sensory relaxed performances) are delivered every year through the Arts For All Network.
• 16 former prisoners who identify as artists were supported in 2024 to engage positively with the community.

Arts Access Aotearoa delivers its work through four programmes:

• Taha Hotu Deaf and Disabled Artists Initiative: a disabled-led initiative empowering Deaf and disabled artists to create work, navigate the arts sector, advocate for change and develop their creative practice.
• Arts For All Network: a national disability-led network connecting individuals and arts and cultural organisations committed to making the arts more accessible and inclusive.
• Creative Spaces Network: strengthening and advocating for the benefits of these community-based spaces by offering professional development, opportunities and funding advice, and relationship-building.
• Arts in Corrections Network: guiding and promoting best practice in the delivery of effective, rehabilitative arts programmes in prisons.

Vic Crockford, Chair of the Board, says the organisation's strength lies in its ability to work alongside others and lead with integrity.

“We have robust foundations and a clear strategic focus guiding our work,” she says. “We’re excited about working with our partners to deliver even more accessibility initiatives in the years ahead.”

Driving change in accessibility and inclusion

Vic says that from the beginning, Arts Access Aotearoa has provided leadership and driven changes in accessibility and inclusion. For example, the organisation:

• pioneered the concept of “creative spaces” in the 1990s. These are inclusive community art studios providing access to arts, particularly for people with access barriers.
• introduced an arts in prisons programme, funded by the Department of Corrections from 2004 (and still existing) to bring high-quality, rehabilitative arts programmes into prisons nationwide.
• published a practical guide call Arts For All: Ngā Toi mo te Katoa in 2010, launching the national Arts For All Network bringing together arts and cultural organisations, venues and Deaf and disability communities to make New Zealand’s arts and cultural sector more accessible and welcoming.
• built an annual awards event from 2007 to 2021, recognising the achievements of Deaf and disabled artists, creative spaces, arts accessibility and arts leadership in prisons.
• introduced Ngā Toi Rangatira o Aotearoa Arts Access Fellowships in 2023 supporting accessibility, participation and inclusion in the arts.
• monitored and advised on the multi-year investment in 54 creative spaces across the country by Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage from 2021–2024. This included organising Ngā Wāhi Auaha Creative Spaces Conference 2024 in Wellington, attended by 150 creative space leaders, artists and art tutors.
• published Te Ara ki Runga The Path Up in 2025, a groundbreaking guide supporting Arts in Corrections educators to deliver high-quality arts programmes in prisons. This is accompanied by an online, 10-week course.
• established Taha Hotu Deaf and Disabled Artists Initiative in 2025 and launched a website supporting and empowering Deaf and disabled artists.

Arts Access Aotearoa is grateful to its funders and supporters over many years. Thank you, Creative New Zealand, Ara Poutama Aotearoa Department of Corrections, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Foundation North, Auckland City Council, Wellington City Council, the Holdsworth Charitable Trust, Thomas George Macarthy Trust and Wellington Community Fund. Thank you to Chapman Tripp for its pro bono legal services and to Flightdec, a Strategic Partner.

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