Reflections of the Waikato Creative Symposium
The Waikato Creative Symposium – He waka eke noa was a one-day creative symposium held at Wintec’s city campus on Saturday 20 September.
It was an opportunity for creatives from the wider Waikato region to come together and hear from expert panellists on topics including equity, sustainability and storytelling.
And with a challenging economic climate causing some uncertainty about the future sustainability of the creative sector, the symposium also provided an important space for participants to network and explore ways to work together across common areas to strengthen the sector within Waikato.
The event was generously sprinkled with opportunities for kōrero and kai, and framed around three panel discussions, each with a distinct focus area designed to provoke conversation and encourage knowledge building for future action.
A summary is provided below along with a selected ‘soundbite’ from all of the participating panellists.
Panel 1: Treatment of Creatives
- Tandi Wright – Equity NZ (performing arts)
- Claudia Jowitt – Artmakers Aotearoa – (visual arts/whole sector)
- Huia Hamon (MPG Aotearoa, HūHā Music, Kog Studio – production/music industry)
Description
Fair treatment of creatives is an important topic, but one that isn’t discussed in our sector very often. Knowing your rights as a creative practitioner when trying to establish or maintain a career provides a strong foundation for building towards success.
‘Every problem that you see is an opportunity for change.’ Huia Hamon
‘The question of sustainability is a real big one for all of us as creatives, and us as organisations as well. We put so much into our work, into giving back into the community. How do we keep each other going as well?’ – Claudia Jowitt
‘We need to take our space. As artists. As workers. We need to have a sense of our own worth, and talk about it. Own that. Expect fair treatment. Ask for fair treatment.’ – Tandi Wright
Panel 2: Creative Collaboration
- Jeremy Mayall (CE/Creative Waikato/Composer)
- Alex Wilkinson (Mystery Creek Ceramics)
- James Wilson (Funding HQ)
Description
Creatives have always been able to think outside the box when it comes to creating and getting their work out. However, there are many benefits for individuals and the sector as a whole when we work together.
‘Public art is the ultimate collaborative process.’ – James Wilson
‘If we can work together, we can go further together.’ – Alex Wilkinson
‘Humans are storytellers. It’s how we make meaning.’ – Jeremy Mayall
Panel 3: Storytelling and Building an Audience
- Kat Quin
- Andy Tilo-Faiaoga
- Tūranga Morgan-Edmonds
Description
We are constantly exposed to different forms of media. In a world that is saturated with information, how can we, as creatives, cut through all the noise?
Storytelling and how you communicate what you do to others is an important component of building a following and gaining traction in your chosen field.
‘If you know in your bones, and your intimate blood, you’re a creator: stay at it. Because I know you were a child at one point, and that creativity lives in you somewhere, still, today.’ – Andy Tilo-Faiaoga
‘Those things that I found I needed for my whaanau did translate to other people.’ – Kat Quin
‘You need to give your audience something to connect to.’ – Tūranga Morgan-Edmonds
At the end of each panel discussion, time was allocated for the audience to ask questions, leading to a number of heartfelt interactions and candid responses. The opportunity for the audience to engage with the panellists, both during the formal sessions and during the informal break times, allowed a genuine feeling of togetherness to develop throughout the day.
A special mention must be made to the team behind the preparation of the kai for the day, the mouth-watering spread adding to the manaaki of the event, and providing an additional highlight for many of the attendees.
Based on the positive feedback from participants and panellists alike, along with new connections made and friendships formed, it seems safe to say that the 2025 version of the Waikato Creative Symposium was a valuable experience for all involved.
If you were unable to attend the event, you may be interested in checking out links to some of the available online resources provided by our panellists: