Exploring models to support First Nations arts leaders globally 

21 September 2023

A New Approach (ANA) CEO Kate Fielding travelled to Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa (NZ) in September to attend an 8-day gathering of First Nations artists and arts workers from across the Asia Pacific. 

Convened by the National Gallery of Australia (NGA), the meeting was designed to respond collectively to the question of ‘what next?’ for NGA’s Wesfarmers Indigenous Leadership Program, and to co-design a new model to support the development of First Nations senior arts leaders globally. 

Through workshops and discussions, the group addressed critical questions such as how to build and sustain resilience and how to create new professional pathways for First Nations leaders. What emerged quickly was a shared view that First Nations decision-making must be embedded at all stages of building the new leadership program. The co-designers will now consolidate and share their collective thinking with friends and colleagues, inviting future partners and donors to support their actions. 

New Approach acknowledges that it meets, works and travels on the lands of First Nations peoples. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and to all First Nations peoples.