Submissions

To: Christchurch City Council 
Date: February 2026

Purpose

The purpose of this submission was to commend the Christchurch Council for their work in drafting an arts and culture strategy that highlights the need for artistic and cultural activity to be inclusive and accessible for everyone, including arts patrons, participants, audiences and practitioners. 

Summary of DPA submission

DPA commended the Council on producing a strategy which aimed at building a more inclusive, accessible artistic and cultural scene as part of its goal to make Christchurch a cultural powerhouse. 
 
DPA welcomed the Council’s interpretation of access in this strategy as being ‘An accessible opportunity is one free of barriers or which is aimed at ensuring no barriers to participation by a specific community of interest.’ 
 
DPA supported the general direction of the strategy but did make some key recommendations around strengthening accessibility to arts and culture for disabled people, through funding opportunities and prioritising support for collaborative projects and initiatives led by disabled artists/creatives.  
 
Recommendations: 
That the CCC collaborate with Creative NZ, Arts Access Aotearoa, Taha Hotu Deaf and Disabled Artists Initiative and local disabled arts practitioners to establish similar accessible funding practises and policies to those used by Creative NZ. 
 
That the CCC and relevant stakeholders prioritise the funding of collaborative projects and initiatives led by disabled artists.