Creative Capital: Activism and artist-led design with Cat Ruka and Dominic Hoey
Creative Capital is a podcast from Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi about advocacy and systems change. Hosted by Elyssia Wilson-Heti (FAFSWAG), it explores the role that arts, culture and creativity play in Tāmaki Makaurau - with a focus on the people behind the work and their vision for the future.
Cat Ruka and Dominic Hoey from DAMN advocate for artists, discussing challenges during the pandemic and the need for artist-led initiatives. They explore alternative artist support models, impact of budget cuts, and envision a more inclusive and activist arts community. The conversation also touches on community-led art making and decentralised festivals.
Episode themes:
Artists are leading movements (like DAMN) for change by advocating for accessible funding and empowering activism.
Removing barriers such as gig economy challenges and accessing resources supports artists in practicing effectively.
Rethinking funding allocation with artist-led designs and addressing class divides promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in art spaces.
Imagining a future with a sustainable arts sector that is sustainable, equitable and thriving.
Cat Ruka (Ngāpuhi, Waitaha) is the executive director of Auckland’s Basement Theatre. She has also worked as a choreographer, educator, artist mentor and as artistic director of Tempo Dance Festival.
Dominic Hoey is a poet, author and playwright based in Auckland, New Zealand.
