This March, thirty-one performing arts practitioners working for children and young people in New Zealand gathered to share some big dreams. We looked back over the story of performing arts and young people in New Zealand so far, and forward to the future – what we most want for young people and our sector of the arts. Together we dreamed of diversity, inclusivity, participation, collaboration, accessibility, a creative world, performing arts valued and well-funded, young people’s voices integral and respected, international connections, a unified sector vision, annual sector gatherings and more.

As a result of the Big Dreams Gathering, our network has fresh momentum, a commitment to work together for change and a new name: PAYPA – Performing Arts and Young People Aotearoa.

Please come and visit our website – https://assitejnz.wordpress.com – or, better still, stop by in person. (We’re not really so very far away!)