About Taha Hotu Deaf and Disabled Artists Initiative

• provide a space for Deaf and disabled artists to network, collaborate and support each other.
• support Deaf and disabled artists, practitioners and community members to create work and develop our creative practice, toward sustainable careers
• support Deaf and disabled artists to make work on our own terms
• tell our own stories and histories
• support the development of disabled-led arts projects, initiatives and organisations
• advocate for our right to access arts spaces, funding and resources.
  

This initiative is underpinned by disability rights and the Social Model of disability which says that a person isn’t disabled because of their impairment, health condition, or how they experience the world; rather it is the physical and attitudinal barriers in society – prejudice, lack of access and systemic exclusion that disable people. In recognition of the social model, we used the terms disabled and disabled people.

We understand that disability can be an important identity for some disabled people and we recognise the affirmative model of disability, Deaf culture, disability pride and the unique ways of knowing and being that Deaf and disabled people have.

We actively uphold the culture and rights of Tāngata Turi and Tāngata Whaikaha Māori as enshrined in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

On this website, you’ll find resources, information, opportunities and support.

If you are a Deaf or disabled artist, whatever the art form type, we want to hear from you.

Definitions

Deaf or disabled includes anyone who identifies as deaf/Deaf or as having a disability or impairment, including chronic health conditions and mental distress.

Artist is a term we use to keep things short. This term is intended to include anyone working in: visual arts, cultural / traditional arts, performance art, dance, theatre, music, writing, sculpture, ceramics, we also include arts workers such as technicians.