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Stories

Support Livelihoods, Not Lifestyles
Big opinions and big moments and big opportunities for the creative community - all debated and celebrated in The Lowdown, your arts news bulletin.
The Lowdown
Funding Shock - TBI Investigates
It's being described 'the death of part of the arts ecosystem' and the most devastating situation in decades. We dive deep and get the sector's reaction to the latest funding news.
Feature
Gravitating To The ‘Gram?
Is Instagram the new curators’ portfolio? Experts discuss the impact social media’s role in increasing visibility and leveraging professional practice.
Arts Smarts
Why Mainstream Representation Matters
The Lowdown looks into how te reo Māori can get a stronger foothold through creative production, celebrate some Toi Māori pioneers and if we care that traffic lights are gone.
The Lowdown
"It's A Revolution" - Next Generation Of Māori Storytellers Speak Up
What does Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori mean to those who are charged with taking the reins for the future? We hear from participants in a festival that gives their voices a platform.
Soapbox
Benjamin Pittman: The Journey That's Been And The Road Ahead for Toi Māori
Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori doesn't just celebrate how the language is used in its spoken and written context. One of Aotearoa's much-respected Toi Māori artists explains the visual connection.
Feature
Take A (Calculated) Leap Of Faith
Following your creative dreams isn't often the easy path. Cynthia Hiu Ying Lam shares her best pieces of advice for starting anew.
Advice to My 22-Year-Old Self
Creating In Te Reo Māori "Is Not A Commodity"
Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori 2022 is upon us - and bilingual musician Theia reveals how she ignored the doubters and stood by her belief that the language of her tūpuna deserved the spotlight.
Soapbox
Yes, You Can Say That: A guide To Tricky Workplace Conversations
Got an annoying colleague? Due a raise? Expert advice from the creative sector with proven strategies for managing difficult topics at work.
Arts Smarts
MCH Invites Public Feedback For $28 Million Fund
A first for government arts funding is just days away - find out what impact your feedback can have - plus the Lowdown on big awards and artistic endeavours.
The Lowdown
Maureen Lander - Inspiring Generations
A career of excellence, intelligence and impact - Chris Forster talks to the newly crowned Arts Laureate and those she's inspired to see why she's so excited about the future.
Arts Insiders
Meet The 2022 Arts Laureates
Seven new Laureates have been welcomed into the elite club for creatives. The Big Idea was at the awards to get their reaction.
Feature
Career Boosts, Craft Blows - Bittersweet Week for Creatives
History beckons and big rewards are on offer for some of our leading creative lights - but the indefinite suspension of an important fund has others on edge in this week's Lowdown.
The Lowdown
Why Fringe Matters - And Why You Should Support It
As Auckland Fringe gets set to launch, veteran Fringer Penny Ashton has a call to arms for the creative community.
Soapbox
Chris Tse's "Life-Changing Opportunity" As NZ's Latest Poet Laureate
A big announcement on National Poetry Day - find out the reaction to the "glam-rock poetry superstar's" appointment and the difference he plans to make.
Feature
Worth The Wait
Get the Lowdown on the big news and (long-awaited) events hitting the creative community this week.
The Lowdown
NZ Film Commission 'Conflict of Interest' Report Released
The Independent Report into the New Zealand Film Commission saga has just been announced - get the full details here.
Feature
Storytelling Without Words
How we consume news and take in information has never been so visually driven. We take a look at some of the best images from the 2022 Voyager Media Awards.
Feature
How To Survive Creative Networking Opportunities
Networking is essential for arts practitioners - here are some no-nonsense tips to help you do it (without screaming into the canapés).
Arts Smarts
Artist Resale Royalty Scheme Details Announced
We get Government and expert reaction to one of the biggest issues in Aotearoa’s creative community finally receiving some clarity.
Feature
"It's About Time" - Pacific Spotlight Well Earned
The Lowdown looks into the current explosion of Pacific success stories on our stages, screens and galleries, bias complaints against CNZ and other important arts happenings.
The Lowdown
'Back Your Intuition'
Veteran bronze sculptor Jim Wheeler faced plenty of obstacles and doubt before finding his creative calling. He has some sage advice for his younger self on the journey ahead.
Advice to My 22-Year-Old Self
Handing The Baton Of Pasifika Storytelling
A quarter of a century after its debut, Dawn Raids is a play with as much significance as ever. We speak to the show's heralded producer about letting the next generation take the reins.
Feature
Let's Talk About Sex
Doing it right - How to use sex in your art in a way that’s not totally cringeworthy, from an experienced sex columnist and creative producer.
Arts Smarts

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Playwrights Association of New Zealand 2022 play competition results

Author:

Rex McGregor

Māoriland releases reo Māori feature film 'Tama Kaiātea'

Author:

Māoriland Charitable Trust

Conference to ignite creative spaces sector

Author:

Arts Access Aotearoa