A taskforce consisting of several of New Zealand’s high-profile supporters of the arts will investigate ways to improve levels of philanthropic giving in New Zealand, Minister of Arts Culture and Heritage Chris Finlayson announced today.

The New Zealand Society of Authors in association with New Zealand Book Month will be hosting the Janet Frame Memorial Lecture, an overview of the 'state of the nation' for literature and writing in New Zealand.

New Zealand entertainers the Topp Twins will receive honorary degrees from Wintec (Waikato Institute of Technology). Lynda and Jools Topp will be awarded an honorary Master of Arts (Music) ‘in recognition of their enormous contribution to New Zealand, to music, to the region and as role models.’

Young people understand the challenges that face other young people better than anyone else.

The RISE programme supports youth led projects that help to reduce stigma and discrimination and promote good mental health and wellbeing to other young people.

Auckland video editor James Brown works for The Learning Connexion School of Art and Creativity by day, and is a painter by night. This video blog will follow his adventure from creative conception through to exhibition.

UCOL Quay School of the Arts alumnus Ben Pearce has taken first place in the inaugural National Youth Art Awards.

Ben’s work Great Grandfather Clock was constructed in walnut, rata and puriri. It presents “a window into the idea about the connections that we make and construct around un-met ancestors.”

Making cultural experiences not only better but more enjoyable for audiences, creating opportunities to participate in arts, and improving chances of sales for artists and designers are just some of the ambitions of the Arts Conference organisers.