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From Icons To Community Heroes - Every Creative On 2025 New Year Honours List

21 artists, advocates and administrators have been recognised in the latest NZ Order of Merit - we break them down and celebrate their success.

The Lowdown

Lowdown: Shock Farewells & End Of An Era

The last Lowdown for 2024 features the loss of a well-loved artist, a music great moving on, big awards and accolades.

Feature

VIDEO: Teen Talent Takes On The World

WATCH: Already an international sensation, Bella Black is in the driving seat of her dance career - but isn't old enough to drive a car yet.

News

Explainer: Artist Resale Royalties Scheme

The new system that puts money in the pockets of artists from the secondary arts market is now live - how does it work and what do creatives need to know?

Feature

VIDEO: Success In Self-Publishing

WATCH: Legally blind and dropped from her publishing deal, Steffanie Holmes went it alone and has sold nearly 1 million copies of her books.

Feature

VIDEO: Asian Theatre in Aotearoa

WATCH: Its history might be short, but the Asian performing arts community is growing in voice and understanding of its own identity.

Feature

Speak Up - Creatives Urged To Get Involved In Govt Cultural Strategy

Public consultation window for the Government's proposed Amplify strategy is only open for a short time longer - see why you should have your say.

Soapbox

OPINION: Systematic Change Needed To Support Youth Arts

The Performing Arts and Young People’s sector must not be left to wither on the vine, writes Dr. Kerryn Palmer.

The Lowdown

Lowdown: Heartbreak As Theatre Icon Shuts Doors

The creative community reacts to tough news from a performance stalwart, spotlight put on arts funding, the latest winners and arts news from across Aotearoa.

Soapbox

How Creatives Can Help Societal Change

Arts advocate Karl Chitham reveals why he's tackling an issue that's close to his heart - and why more creatives should use their talents to make an impact.

News

'Fight For Us' - Passionate Pleas At NZTV Awards

A record-breaking night of success at the annual screen event was mixed with concerns of the sector's future after a tough year.

The Lowdown

Lowdown: Public Art Back In Force

Major free events around the country show a depth of talent and desire to make creativity accessible, a big funding boost and artists honoured as local heroes.

News

'A Cloak Of Words' - Creatives Respond To Hīkoi & Parliament Haka

The response to the Treaty Principles Bill has captured headlines around the world - and Aotearoa creatives are leading the charge with their mahi.

Feature

"Mundane Things Kill Your Soul" - How To Give Yourself Permission To Create

Veronica Herber’s path to artistic fulfilment wasn't a straight forward one - she discusses the courage it takes to follow your heart and leave behind a comfortable career.

Feature

VIDEO: Defying Definition

WATCH: Levi Hawken isn't giving over control of his creative legacy - so when his art was disappearing, he continues to evolve to make it more permanent.

Arts Smarts

Should I Offer Workshops To Help Cash Flow?

Can you share your talents to add some extra coin? The pros and cons of running workshops, as well as the steps of working out how much to charge.

News

Arts Minister Goldsmith Announces Creative Sector Strategy

The Government has finally outlined a strategy for the creative industries - Paul Goldsmith breaks down the target areas, as a public consultation window opens.

The Lowdown

Lowdown: Sarjeant's Major Moment

An event ten years in the making takes the national spotlight, $17.3 billion reasons to back live performance and a host of heartening arts news.

Feature

VIDEO: For The Birds

WATCH: How a neighbourhood arts practice made it international - and what happens when your art becomes the target of copycat creations.

News

Creative NZ To End Tōtara & Kahikatea Funding

While CNZ's overall funding budget won't be reduced, the way arts organisations in Aotearoa are supported is set for a major overhaul.

The Lowdown

Lowdown: Arts Icons Revealed

Two top flight creatives earn a rare accolade, NZ Film Commission's big changes reap big financial rewards - among a host of arts announcements, awards and appointments.

News

"I'd Regret Not Taking The Opportunity" - Creative NZ's Next Chief Executive

In her first interview since the unexpected appointment, Gretchen La Roche explains why she's coming back to the organisation she left earlier this year.

Advice to My 22-Year-Old Self

"Find Who Your Art Is For" - Hugo Grrrl

One of the most in-demand creatives in Aotearoa right now, the drag king shares advice on how to beat your own artistic path - no matter how challenging.

Feature

How to WOW - Why Any Creative Can Shine In Iconic Awards

Entries into the 2025 World of WearableArt Awards are open - we get inside tips on how first-time designers can have as much chance to win as veterans.

News

NZ's Next Venice Biennale Artist Revealed

A dedicated New Zealand pavilion will return at the world's most famous visual arts event after a four year absence - With Fiona Pardington to lead the charge.

Soapbox

OPINION: What NZ Screen Industry Needs in 2025

These are challenging times for local content - industry expert Irene Gardiner takes aim at the screen sector's most pressing issues.

Feature

Loss of Blair & Braunias A Bitter Blow

The New Zealand art scene is a little less vibrant after the passing of two immensely talented creatives over the summer period - Andrew Wood pays tribute.

Feature

VIDEO: Village Radio - Keeping The Beat

WATCH: From an age where it was all about the wireless - not wifi - a group of passionate volunteers are ensuring the glory days of music and radio aren't forgotten.

The Lowdown

Lowdown: Hot Competition For Top Literary Awards

Your arts news bulletin returns for 2025 with the contenders for a $65,000 prize revealed, major events about to kick off, new line-ups and major creative opportunities.

News

'Hundreds Of Submissions' - MCH Working Through Amplify Feedback

Manatū Taonga update the progress of the long-awaited Creative and Cultural sector strategy, after the arts community made its feelings heard.

News

$10K Art Prize "A Real Gift"

An intricately carved sculpture has come out trumps in the Molly Morpeth Canaday Awards, NZ's longest running arts prize.

Featured Stories

Lowdown: Government Calls For Public Feedback on Screen Sector

Aotearoa Projects Backed In $1.6M International Grants

Creative NZ Launch Latest Arts Advocacy Campaign

Reclaiming Arts Journalism For Our Community - Jennifer Ward-Lealand

Featured Jobs

Creative co-working spaces available at The Arts Centre

Call for Applications: New Trans-Tasman Dance Exchange Residency

Calling all artists! Submit your light art for 2025 now.

Stories

From Icons To Community Heroes - Every Creative On 2025 New Year Honours List