Welcome to Arts Access Aotearoa
Arts Access Aotearoa | Whakahauhau Katoa o Hanga is a national organisation that strives for a society where all people are able to participate in the arts, whatever their circumstances. We work to increase artistic opportunities for our key stakeholders: disabled people, disconnected youth, senior citizens, mental health service users, disadvantaged migrants and refugees. We are also the key organisation in New Zealand advocating for the arts as a tool for change in prisons. Our office is situated in Toi Pōneke, Wellington Arts Centre, Level 3, 61–63 Abel Smith Street. We welcome your interest and . You can receive our monthly and our . 
Latest news
Grant supports audio description at Fortune Theatre
1 February 2012 Fortune Theatre in Dunedin is opening its doors to blind and vision-impaired audiences by providing six audio-described performances of its plays in 2012, supported by a one-off $3000 grant from Creative New Zealand. View news story...
Grants to improve access to arts events and venues
31 January 2012 Arts organisations and venues will become more accessible this year, thanks to eleven grants provided by Creative New Zealand for projects ranging from sign language interpretations and audio described performances to music workshops and concerts for disabled children and young adults, and improved physical access. View news story...
The arts are for everyone
Creative New Zealand in partnership with Arts Access Aotearoa published Arts for All: opening doors to disabled people in late 2009. This guide provides practical and long-term ways for artists and arts organisations to enhance their access, market their events to the disabled community and build new audiences. Information sheets and check lists about accessibility requirements, marketing, ticketing, seating and exhibition design have been developed as online resources to complement the information in Arts For All. The two organisations, in partnership with local government, also held workshops in mid 2010, based on the book and the online resources.
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In focus
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Angels and Harry Watson
Wairarapa artist and art tutor Harry Watson can’t remember a time in his life when he wasn’t working at his art. But he does remember what first inspired him to carve. Read more.
The gift of quilting at Arohata Prison
The eight women meet in the car park at Arohata Prison in the Wellington suburb of Tawa. Carrying bags filled with fabric, they head to the prison gates ready for another quilting session with the women inside. Read more.
CAN benefits
When and why was the Auckland Creative Access Network (CAN) set up? How has CAN developed over time? What are some of the challenges? And what are the benefits of a regional network? Read more.
Arts For All on the move
An Arts Access Aotearoa programme, supported by Creative New Zealand and encouraging arts organisations and venues to improve their access to disabled audiences, is gathering momentum as it moves beyond Wellington. Read more.
Big 'A' Awards 2011
Self-taught artist Robert Rapson created five Big 'A' Award marquettes for the 2011 recipients. Robert Rapson attends Take 5 & Te Whare Marama, a creative space in Lower Hutt. The Big 'A' Awards 2011were presented in the Banquet Hall at Parliament on 20 July. Read more.
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