The Big ‘A’ Awards 2008 recognise outstanding contribution
13 May 2008
A talented young performing artist who has overcome the odds, a mixed-ability community circus and a prison art tutor were recognised on Tuesday 13 May at The Big 'A' Awards 2008, presented by Arts Access Aotearoa and hosted in Parliament by the Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage the Hon. Judith Tizard.
The three recipients are Isaac Marsh (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Raukawa, Waikato, Cook Islands Māori) of Wellington, awarded the Winton and Margaret Bear Big ‘A’ Young Artist Award 2008; Circus Kumarani, based in Dargaville, awarded The Big ‘A’ Creative Spaces Award 2008; and Moana Tipa (Kai Tahu, Kati Mamoe, Ngāti Kahungunu, Celt), a Christchurch prison art tutor awarded The Big ‘A’ Prison Art Tutor Award 2008.
The Big ‘A’ Awards celebrate the outstanding contribution of individuals and organisations working to enhance the wellbeing and artistic opportunities of marginalized people. They also recognise the artistic potential of a young individual who has been disadvantaged.
Julie Donvin-Irons, Executive Director of Arts Access Aotearoa, said: “These awards are an important recognition that the arts are for all of us, whatever our circumstances. There is some wonderful, often unrecognised work happening in our communities and this is our way of sharing it with other New Zealanders.
“We also see these awards as a profile-raising event for Outsider Artists, and an opportunity to leverage additional income for the sector.”
Moana Tipa was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the rehabilitation of Canterbury prisoners through the arts. In 2001, she approached the Department of Corrections to trial an arts project with prisoners. It is now a recognised programme, which Moana has been facilitating for the past five years. In May 2007, she curated Ruia, a fundraising exhibition and auction featuring 116 artworks by prisoners and raising $28,000 for the Family Help Trust.
Paul Monk, Southern Regional Manager, Prison Services, was delighted that Moana’s outstanding work with prisoners had been recognised. “She’s been a constant source of energy and passion for those prisoners who take part on her course. Her hard work, enthusiasm and dedication to art have been a great motivator. This has resulted in prisoners producing some excellent artwork, which the local community and prison have benefited from through such things as Ruia and the ongoing projects at Te Whare.”
Circus Kumarani, which includes people with physical and intellectual disabilities, has performed twice in Auckland (2005 and 2007) with renowned Canadian troupe Cirque du Soleil. It was then treated to workshops on various aspects of circus craft. It shares its skills with communities and schools throughout Northland and beyond.
The Winton and Margaret Bear Big ‘A’ Young Artist Award 2008 recognises the artistic potential of a disadvantaged youth and will provide Isaac Marsh with dance wear (e.g. jazz and ballet shoes, tights, leotards, dance socks) required for one year. With the support of his grandmother in Tokoroa, then Child, Youth and Family and Te Rakau Hua O Te Wao Tapu Trust’s Theatre for Change programme in Wellington, Isaac has turned his life around and is pursuing a career in the performing arts.
Arts Access Aotearoa works with marginalised people and communities (e.g. refugees, disadvantaged migrants, mental health consumers, youth at risk, the justice sector, people with intellectual and physical disabilities) to ensure they have access to the arts and can create, perform and develop their own arts. Working in partnership with individuals and organisations, it provides a voice for Outsider Artists and promotes their contribution to a culturally diverse New Zealand society.
Arts Access Aotearoa receives major funding from Creative New Zealand and the Department of Corrections.