Arts in Corrections Advisor

About Arts Access Aotearoa

Arts Access Aotearoa|Putanga Toi ki Aotearoa supports arts organisations and venues to increase their accessibility; builds the capability and leadership skills of grassroots community organisations providing arts opportunities to people with a disability; raises public awareness about access to the arts; and provides a national information service. It is also the lead organisation advocating for the arts to be used as a rehabilitation tool for prisoners.

Vision

All people in New Zealand are able to participate in the arts.

Purpose

Arts Access Aotearoa advocates for all people in New Zealand to have access to the arts by supporting people who experience barriers to participation or whose access is limited.

The Arts in Corrections programme

This is about working with the Department of Corrections through our Arts in Corrections Advisory Service, and delivering information about arts activities and programmes that support the rehabilitation of prisoners and their reintegration into the community on release.

Position purpose

The Arts in Corrections Advisor’s purpose is to:

• provide a high-quality, strategic Arts in Corrections Advisory Service to the Department of Corrections for the purpose of rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners
• provide advice and guidance to people and organisations in the community engaged in delivering arts activities and opportunities in prisons, Corrections facilities and Community Corrections (formerly Probations)
• advocate for people in the Corrections system to have access to the arts
• support different events that recognise and promote the value of access to the arts in Corrections.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Arts Access Aotearoa receives funding from the Department of Corrections to provide an Arts in Corrections Advisory Service.

Through this service the Arts in Corrections Advisor:

• works with the Executive Director and the staff team to provide strategic advice to the Department of Corrections on the planning and delivery of arts programmes, projects and opportunities for prisoners. The advisor does not deliver these projects but rather promotes and supports the work of others.
• writes quarterly activity reports, an annual report and project/programme reports in accordance with Arts Access Aotearoa’s contract with the Department of Corrections
• maintains a record of inquiry requests, regional contacts, events and research
• maintains the Arts in Correction section of the Arts Access Aotearoa website  which includes blog writing, resources and images relating to Arts in Corrections
• supports Corrections staff in effective arts planning for each prison or Corrections facility by utilising existing resources, developing partnerships and obtaining other resources and support from external sources
• facilitates three regional Arts in Corrections networks
• supports artists, tutors and community arts educators across three regional Arts in Corrections networks for them to plan and deliver effective arts programmes, projects, workshops and residencies in prisons and in the community
• develops and maintains positive relationships with a range of key stakeholders, including the Department of Corrections, arts practitioners, Probations staff, community organisations, iwi representatives etc.
• organises and facilitates training and development hui and workshops for artists,  Corrections staff and community stakeholders
• fosters ongoing best practice/peer networking/support opportunities for art practitioners delivering arts in prisons, including international specialist visits
• facilitates collaborative partnerships and networks between the arts sector, community sector, prisons and Community Probations
• upholds the values of Arts Access Aotearoa, and contributes to its organisational planning and a positive productive team environment
• is accountable for delivering reports and tasks within specified timeframes and advises on an annual awards project
• assists in gathering, presenting and distributing research as part of the Arts Access Aotearoa Information Service.

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Excellent written skills and proven experience in the preparation of clear and concise reports and project documentation
• Experience as an advisor in a community and/or public service setting
• Experience in developing and delivering strategic plans, including writing strategic documents
• Experience in workshop leadership and public speaking
• Research to assist in training and advocacy
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to network with a wide range of people
• Experience of working collaboratively with community groups and organisations with evidence of working in partnerships
• Highly developed interpersonal and networking skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with government agencies, community organisations, the professional arts sector, and at ‘grassroots’ levels
• Commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity, and confident in tikanga-based processes  
• Strong planning and organisational skills
• The ability to work well under pressure, and manage time in a flexible and responsive manner
• A relevant tertiary qualification or five years job experience suited to the requirements of the role.

Other desirable skills and experience

• Experience in website content management systems, photo archiving, blog writing and use of social media

• Knowledge of the operations and structure within the Department of Corrections
• Experience in the arts sector, relevant to community participatory arts
• Experience of delivering arts activities in a prison, in educational settings or with marginalised communities
• Project management experience.

Other relevant information

The position requires travel throughout New Zealand on scheduled dates.

The role is based from the Wellington office of Arts Access Aotearoa for three days per week