Arts Makers Aotearoa: Advocacy, Resources and Support for Artists - A Toi Ōtautahi 2026 Arts Workshop
Description
Arts Makers Aotearoa: Advocacy, Resources and Support for Artists
Wednesday 7 October
5.30pm - 7pm
Toi Auaha, 5 Worcester Boulevard
Free to attend - register by booking a free ticket through this Humanitix page
What practices and support exists for artists to build more sustainable futures, beyond just exhibition opportunities? Join Claudia Jowitt from Arts Makers Aotearoa (AMA) for an introduction to one of Aotearoa’s leading artist advocacy organisations and the resources it provides to support creative practitioners, along with some practical professional development basics for artists.
Arts Makers Aotearoa is a community of makers working collectively to strengthen support for artists and advocate for a more sustainable, equitable and thriving arts sector. Since 2020, AMA has built a national network dedicated to amplifying artists’ voices, sharing knowledge, and shaping policies that affect the wellbeing, livelihoods and futures of creative communities.
In this session, Claudia will present AMA’s work across advocacy, professional development, artist wellbeing and sector sustainability, alongside practical resources including the Art Makers Toolkit, artist fee guidance, and wider initiatives designed to support artists at all stages of their careers. Participants will gain insights into navigating an increasingly challenging sector, learn how collective action can drive change, and discover tools and networks that can help strengthen their own practice.
Whether you’re an emerging practitioner, an established artist, or someone interested in the future of the arts in Aotearoa, this is an opportunity to learn more about the people and projects working behind the scenes to support artists towards building a stronger creative ecosystem and how you can access them.
Earlier in the day Claudia Jowitt will be hosting an Artists' Advice Bureau. In this drop in session, artists can ask Claudia and other Arts Aunties and Uncles any questions for independent expert advice - further details here.
Workshop schedule: Doors will open at 5.15pm. The workshop will start at 5.30pm sharp and take 60-90 minutes. If you cannot attend the whole workshop, you are welcome to come for as much as you can. Pēpi and tamariki are always welcome to attend with you!
On the first Wednesday of every month, Toi Ōtautahi hosts free arts development workshops for artists and arts organisations. Want to know more, go to: https://toiotautahi.org.nz/
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Claudia Jowitt
Claudia Jowitt (b. 1989) is an artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa who is of Pākeha and iTaukei, Fijian heritage. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Auckland’s Elam School of Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Art and Design (Hons) & Bachelor of Visual Arts from AUT University in Auckland and studied at Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Fine Arts in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She has been exhibiting both nationally and internationally since first completing her undergraduate degree in 2009 and was the 2016 Tautai Trust Pacific Artist in Residence at the Dunedin School of Art at Otago Polytechnic. Her works are included in the Wallace Art Trust and University of Auckland Art Collection as well as numerous private collections. Beyond her studio practice, Jowitt contributes to the wider arts ecosystem through public service and governance. She serves on the board of Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery, providing strategic oversight and advocating for contemporary art practices, and supports Art Makers Aotearoa, an organisation promoting the visibility and development of contemporary artists in Aotearoa. These roles inform and intersect with her artistic practice, reflecting her commitment to fostering cultural dialogue, mentorship, and community engagement across the visual arts sector.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
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