FAQs
If you want to find out about Arts Access Aotearoa's activities or how we may be able to work with you, this page may answer your questions. If you have any queries, please send us with your question.
1. What does Arts Access Aotearoa do?
We’re a national organisation focussed on providing access to the arts for individuals and communities who may not otherwise have access. Although we have an office in Wellington, our reach is national. We work with a network of more than 85 creative spaces throughout New Zealand. All of our activities are undertaken within our four programmes. These are:
• Community Development and Wellbeing (e.g. creative spaces network)
• Advocacy and Profiling (e.g. Big 'A' Awards)
• Education and Research (e.g. professional development workshops)
• Income Generation (e.g. Creative Business Support Service).
2. What is a creative space?
There are more than 85 creative spaces in communities throughout New Zealand. Creative spaces are places where people who are marginalised or disadvantaged can take part in arts activities. Materials and tuition are usually provided free of charge or for a low cost. Some offer an informal, drop-in approach while others are more structured, with programmes and workshops in writing, visual and performing arts. Arts Access Aotearoa maintains a directory of creative spaces.
3. How is Arts Access Aotearoa governed?
Arts Access Aotearoa is a charitable trust, established in 1995. It is governed by a board of up to eight trustees, who have a range of skills and expertise. Its patron is Mel Smith.
4. Who does Arts Access Aotearoa represent?
We work for and with individuals and communities in New Zealand who have been marginalised by the mainstream because of their circumstances. This includes intellectually and physically disabled people, disconnected youth, the elderly, mental health service users, disadvantaged migrants, refugees and prisoners.
5. Where does Arts Access Aotearoa get its money from?
Creative New Zealand is our core funder. We also have a contract with the Department of Corrections to deliver a national prison arts strategy. In addition, we receive annual funding from Wellington City Council to provide services to Wellington stakeholders.
We apply for funding to philanthropic trusts and city councils to support one-off projects or running costs. Our other source of “income” is in-kind where businesses or organisations offer their services at discounted rates or at no cost. Visit Our Partners for more information.
6. Does Arts Access Aotearoa provide funding?
No.
7. Does Arts Access Aotearoa umbrella individuals wanting to apply for funding?
No. That’s because we don’t have the resources to administer it. However, we do offer advice on the various funding options through our AAA Information Service.
8. Does Arts Access Aotearoa umbrella groups and organisations wanting to apply for funding?
Yes, we may be able to umbrella groups and organisations if the project is a good fit with our strategic objectives.
9. What influence does Arts Access Aotearoa have to help me get funding for my project?
None. We also have to apply to philanthropic trusts and funding bodies. However, we may be able to provide a letter of support to include in your funding application.
10. I’m a marginalised individual artist. What support can Arts Access Aotearoa offer me?
Arts Access Aotearoa is a national voice for artists and communities, marginalised by society because of their circumstances. That means we celebrate and promote the value of your arts activity. On a practical level, we can connect you with our national network of creative spaces. We can also suggest funding options and provide general information through our AAA Information Service. We may also be able to help you promote your art practice. Please contact us if you need more information.