Latest news with #CreativeNewZealand
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a day ago
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Simone Kaho Awarded 2025 Fulbright-Creative New Zealand Pacific Writer's Residency In Hawai'i
Press Release – Creative NZ This annual award is for an established New Zealand writer of Pacific heritage to carry out work on a creative writing project exploring Pacific identity, culture or history at the University of Hawai'i for three months. Fulbright New Zealand and Creative New Zealand are delighted to announce Simone Kaho is the recipient of the 2025 Pacific Writer's Residency. This annual award is for an established New Zealand writer of Pacific heritage to carry out work on a creative writing project exploring Pacific identity, culture or history at the University of Hawai'i for three months. Simone Kaho says many writers she admires and follows have won the award in previous years. 'It's a fabulous thing to receive institutional support for work that is so challenging. What if our most profound connections aren't just with family, but in deep attunement with nature, recognising patterns in the unseen, and finding new ways to move forward? In this project, I'll be drawing theoretical lines between Pacific people who are neurodiverse, and the traits of Pacific wayfinders—and I hope to find evidence of these in Hawai'i's research archives,' says Simone. Fulbright NZ Executive Director Penelope Borland says it is heartening to see the residency taken up by a poet of Simone's distinction. 'We are thrilled to be granting the 2025 Pacific Writer's Residency to Simone Kaho, enabling her to continue her work that has already received widespread acclaim, most recently seeing her take up the 2022 Emerging Pasifika writer in Residence at the prestigious International Institute of Modern Letters. With this award, Simone will travel to Hawai'i, where I am sure a deeply meaningful experience awaits her,' says Penelope. Makerita Urale, Creative New Zealand's Senior Manager Pacific Arts, herself an alumna of the residency, says the award is timely for Simone's literary career. 'Simone's work is fearless and deeply grounded in lived experience and cultural insight. This residency is a fitting next step for an artist of her calibre, and we look forward to seeing how her time in Hawai'i will further shape and strengthen her work,' says Makerita. Previous recipients of the prestigious Pacific Writer's Residency have been some of New Zealand's most celebrated writers, including Tusiata Avia, Karlo Mila, Oscar Kightley, David Eggleton, Mīria George, and playwright Victor Rodger.
Scoop
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Simone Kaho Awarded 2025 Fulbright-Creative New Zealand Pacific Writer's Residency In Hawai'i
Fulbright New Zealand and Creative New Zealand are delighted to announce Simone Kaho is the recipient of the 2025 Pacific Writer's Residency. This annual award is for an established New Zealand writer of Pacific heritage to carry out work on a creative writing project exploring Pacific identity, culture or history at the University of Hawai'i for three months. Simone Kaho says many writers she admires and follows have won the award in previous years. 'It's a fabulous thing to receive institutional support for work that is so challenging. What if our most profound connections aren't just with family, but in deep attunement with nature, recognising patterns in the unseen, and finding new ways to move forward? In this project, I'll be drawing theoretical lines between Pacific people who are neurodiverse, and the traits of Pacific wayfinders—and I hope to find evidence of these in Hawai'i's research archives,' says Simone. Fulbright NZ Executive Director Penelope Borland says it is heartening to see the residency taken up by a poet of Simone's distinction. 'We are thrilled to be granting the 2025 Pacific Writer's Residency to Simone Kaho, enabling her to continue her work that has already received widespread acclaim, most recently seeing her take up the 2022 Emerging Pasifika writer in Residence at the prestigious International Institute of Modern Letters. With this award, Simone will travel to Hawai'i, where I am sure a deeply meaningful experience awaits her,' says Penelope. Makerita Urale, Creative New Zealand's Senior Manager Pacific Arts, herself an alumna of the residency, says the award is timely for Simone's literary career. 'Simone's work is fearless and deeply grounded in lived experience and cultural insight. This residency is a fitting next step for an artist of her calibre, and we look forward to seeing how her time in Hawai'i will further shape and strengthen her work,' says Makerita. Previous recipients of the prestigious Pacific Writer's Residency have been some of New Zealand's most celebrated writers, including Tusiata Avia, Karlo Mila, Oscar Kightley, David Eggleton, Mīria George, and playwright Victor Rodger.
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3 days ago
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30 Years Of Impact: Arts Access Aotearoa Looks To Future
Press Release – Arts Access Aotearoa 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.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
30 Years Of Impact: Arts Access Aotearoa Looks To Future
Press Release – Arts Access Aotearoa Arts Access Aotearoa was built on the belief that access to the arts is a basic human right a belief thats remained steadfast over 30 years. In that time, it has led the national conversation about arts accessibility and inclusion. 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.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
30 Years Of Impact: Arts Access Aotearoa Looks To Future
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.
