Kia ora e hoa – Amie and Lisa here! Two thirds of the crew who has brought Ara Toi to the wild and wonderous social media platform that is Instagram. Here are some Q&As letting you know the whys and wherefores.

Our ethos in getting involved in the online world of images, memes, reels, and stories is simple: real time engagement with you, which in turn informs our mahi here at the Dunedin City Council.

What does community engagement look like on Instagram? - This engagement includes sharing what you are doing, highlighting your achievements. It provides easy access to opportunities that we hope will help to identify and develop creative pathways and build capacity to successfully access funding, both locally and nationally.

How are you intending to work with the creative community? - We work hard to make sure we can share funding opportunities early so that you have time to put in a strong application. We encourage you to get in touch with us on this platform, and we’ll work to respond to your DMs (direct messages).

Will you highlight city artists on Insta? – Yes! Instagram also allows us to share your mahi on our stories as you upload it, profile the creatives who build communities through accessible arts practices, and elevate the local stories of practitioners. In the new year, we look forward to sharing more stories, and making the arts activities happening in Ōtepoti more accessible to all.

What’s next? – In the new year, we hope to keep building our Instagram network, sharing your mahi and emphasising the importance of fair and equitable remuneration for artists. We do this through sharing up-to-date articles, data, and tips on getting paid, and through sharing resources that give you the confidence to know what you’re asking for and why.

In the lead up to our next funding round in March, we hope to ask you some questions on the story function about how and when you would like to receive information and advice on applying for local arts funding. It is important to us that we work alongside the creative community to build capacity and diversity here in Ōtepoti.

In the meantime, get online, find us @aratoiotepoti and #followusorelse!