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We are gearing up for Ngā Wāhi Auaha Creative Spaces Conference, later this month. With the theme “Hāpaitia i ngā wāhi toi – advocate and amplify,” this conference comes at a crucial time as many creative spaces transition from a three-year funding contract into a new chapter. The focus will be on the power of storytelling as a tool for advocacy.
In this newsletter, you will find helpful information about the conference and what to expect over the two days. We’ve crafted this event to provide the Creative Spaces Network with support, advice, and creative engagement, along with practical tools to enhance your storytelling and advocacy efforts.
Online registrations are still open and are a must if you want to participate online. Don’t miss out!
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Ngā mihi nui
The Creative Spaces Network team at Arts Access Aotearoa
Logistics
This year's conference is being held at Harbourside Function Centre, 4 Taranaki St, Wellington Central. Registrations open outside Plenary Foyer on Level 1 at 8am on Thursday. The event runs till 5.30pm on Thursday 22 August and 8am-5pm on Friday 23 August.
The venue is a 15 min drive from Wellington Airport, 5 min drive from Wellington Train Station or there is ParkingPay parking available at Wilson parking / TePapa just a few minutes' walk away.
Further accessibility as well as venue information will be available on both the creative spaces website and the conference app in the coming two weeks. In-person and virtual delegates will also be sent information about how to login to the event app on both mobile and computer.
Programme
This year's themes focus on storytelling as a powerful tool for advocacy, providing the Creative Spaces Network with two days of support, advice, creative engagement, and practical tools. Key topics include the elements of successful advocacy campaigns, the impact of creative practice in trauma support, inclusivity in creative spaces, and
effective funding relationships. Workshops and discussions will delve into building online communities, storytelling through video, and social media strategies for effective messaging. Those who registered for one or all of the networking events will also attend a dinner and performance by Jolt, a breakfast and guest speaker as well as a visit to Vincent’s creative space here in Pōneke, Wellington.
Regretfully, Lissy and Rudi are no longer able to participate in Ngā Wāhi Auaha | Creative Spaces Conference 2024. We have called on our creative colleagues and are pleased to confirm Ron Te Kawa from Artists in the Making in the Coromandel to facilitate a creative session. Ron will share with us his background of storytelling and connecting with communities through creativity. He will connect us with one another through a sparkly creative exercise that will come together as a group Kaitiaki art piece full of Tiki, Taniwha and Kaitiaki.
Detailed
information on each theme, including introductions to the speakers and their topics, panels and workshops can be found via the below links:
Inclusivity in creative spaces
Virtual Attendance
In-person attendance is now at capacity; however, you can still register to watch our speakers live online.
The Creative Spaces Conference 2024 is free to attend, thanks to funding from Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
Meet the Creative Spaces Network team
We’re excited to introduce you to the wonderful team members of the Creative Spaces Network who provide invaluable support to the network. Many of you may not have met us before, and we also have a few new faces joining us. This will help you get to know the passionate and dedicated individuals who are working behind the scenes to make this conference a success.
Professional Development
Fiona Waitere, Creative Spaces Projects Coordinator | Kairuruku a toi Kaupapa
Fiona’s role is to coordinate professional development to creative spaces across the motu. Fiona has worked for many years with rangatahi as a secondary school art teacher and Head of Faculty. She has a colourful and creative background as an advocate for all things arts based and champions the arts as an integral aspect of self-discovery and of weaving a community together. Fiona holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Diploma in Secondary Teaching. Fiona works Monday to Thursday.
E: fiona.waitere@artsaccess.org.nz
Funding Advisors (Manatū Taonga Creative Spaces Initiative)
Kate Hiatt & Hannah Dahlke, Creative Spaces Growth Funding Advisors | Kaiārahi Kohi Mon
Hannah and Kate work together to support 53 creative spaces across Aotearoa as they carry out their multi-year funding agreements with Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Heritage (2021-2024). This includes 1:1 support for funded creative spaces to meet their agreement milestones, reports, and funded objectives. This support also includes assistance with identifying and applying to other funding sources towards financial sustainability.
E: fundingsupport@artsaccess.org.nz
Kate has been at Arts Access Aotearoa since 2019. She has an MA in Arts Management, and has extensive experience in arts administration, community development, and within the philanthropic and performing arts sectors. Kate works Monday to Thursday.
E: kate.hiatt@artsaccess.org.nz
Hannah has been at Arts Access Aotearoa since 2021. She has an MA in Creative and Performing Arts and has worked extensively in arts administration in both Aotearoa and the United States over the past 15 years. Hannah works Monday to Friday until 2.30pm E: hannah.dahlke@artsaccess.org.nz
Auckland Activator
Jazz Lolesio, Arts Access Activator Auckland | Whakahohe a Toi Putanga ki Tāmaki Makaurau
Jazz's role is to engage the Creative Spaces Network in Tāmaki Makaurau, promote the value of arts participation, and provide training opportunities for staff development, supporting their artists, programmes, and activities. With 20 years in music and events, she runs her own independent radio station and charitable trust. Passionate about Polynesian culture, Jazz focuses on creating diverse platforms and communities. She holds a Diploma in Media Management and Media Production and has extensive knowledge in media, events, and the non-profit sector E: jazz.lolesio@artsaccess.org.nz
Marketing & Communications
Bobbie Gray, Digital Marketing Specialist | Kaitohutohu Whakatairanga
Bobbie is a digital marketer specialising in creative, multi-platform campaigns, and is developing strategic initiatives to boost the profile of the Creative Spaces Network. She is a practising artist and Director of Comet Project Space, a group of artists focused on light-based installations and community activations. She has exhibited internationally and aims to make a meaningful impact on the development of art and artists in New Zealand. Bobbie works mornings, Monday to Friday. E: bobbie.gray@artsaccess.org.nz
Danny Aumua, Digital Content Specialist | Kaihoahoa Auaha
Danny Aumua is an award-winning Samoan producer/writer/director, whose role is to capture stories from the Creative Spaces Network. Danny is known for producing notable television series for TVNZ, Discovery Channel and Fox Sports, as well as a critically acclaimed documentary. He also co-wrote and edited a webseries that was nominated for Best NZ Webseries 2023. He works Mon - Thurs mornings.
E: danny.aumua@artsaccess.org.nz
We look forward to seeing you at the Ngā Wāhi Auaha Creative Spaces Conference 2024!
Please visit our Creative Spaces Network website for more information, resources, research, professional development opportunities and stories.
Te Mana Tangata Tukutuku panel, used in the Creative Spaces Network logo was made collectively by the people of Te Mana Tangata, led by master weaver Moana Harrison.
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