International Conversation About Creativity, Identity And Belonging

Arts Access Aotearoa is contributing to an international conversation about creativity, identity and belonging through a keynote address at the inaugural International Lecture Series, hosted by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) this week.

Neil Wallace, Kaiwhakahuri Hurihanga Arts and Justice Advisor at Arts Access Aotearoa, was invited to deliver the keynote, “On Being Human: The Stories We Carry – Identity, Belonging and the Human Journey”, to an audience of academics, researchers, educators, social service providers, community organisations, government representatives and creative practitioners from Singapore and overseas.

Neil’s keynote explored questions that resonate across cultures. How do people develop a sense of identity and belonging? What shapes who we become? What do we carry from one generation to the next? And what role does creative practice play in helping individuals and communities flourish?

Rather than presenting fixed answers, the keynote invited its audience to reflect on these questions through storytelling, lived experience, research and shared conversation.

A renewed appreciation of our shared humanity

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Jiunwen Wang, an associate professor at SUSS, thanked Neil for his “inspiring talk”.

"The On Being Human conversation series reflects SUSS's belief that universities should be places where people come together to explore not only what we know but also who we are and who we aspire to become.

“We hope the series inspires meaningful conversations across disciplines and communities, fostering deeper understanding, stronger relationships and a renewed appreciation of our shared humanity."

Richard Benge, Executive Director of Arts Access Aotearoa, says the invitation is significant for both the organisation and the wider arts sector.

"This invitation represents more than an international speaking engagement," he says.

"It's also an opportunity for Arts Access Aotearoa to contribute to an important international conversation about what it means to be human, and about the enduring role that the arts and creative practice play in helping individuals, families and communities make meaning, strengthen belonging and navigate life's journey."

Strengthening quality of creative practice across the justice system

In his role as Kaiwhakahuri Hurihanga Arts and Justice Advisor, Neil Wallace works to strengthen the quality and capability of creative practice across the justice system and advocates for the importance of arts programmes in prisons as a tool supporting rehabilitation.

Last year, he introduced a comprehensive training course based on the publication Te Ara ki Runga: The Path Up, designed to provide arts practitioners with the tools needed to teach in a correctional setting.

A former tertiary lecturer and a practising photographer, Neil says he was honoured to contribute to the inaugural lecture series.

"It's a privilege to share something of what has shaped me, and an even greater privilege to spend time learning what has shaped everyone else."

Creativity a universal human experience

His keynote drew on years of work across the justice sector, and in disability, community development and creative practice. At the heart of his address is the idea that creativity is a universal human experience rather than something confined to professional artists or cultural institutions.

Neil looked at creative practice in its broadest sense, encompassing the many ways people create meaning, communicate, remember, celebrate, grieve, teach and connect with one another throughout life.

He also discussed how creativity had shaped his own life.

"The arts and creative practice have given me far more than a profession," he said.

"They’ve given me belonging, purpose and, at times in my life, a way forward when I couldn't see one. It’s exciting to explore that notion with people from different cultures with their own stories to tell."

For Neil, one of the greatest opportunities that international exchanges present is discovering common ground across cultures.

"One of the greatest gifts of opportunities like this is discovering how much we all have in common," he says. "We may come from different countries and cultures but we're all asking the same questions about what helps people flourish and what gives life meaning."

Learning from one another

He also sees the visit as an opportunity for mutual learning.

"I've arrived with stories from Aotearoa New Zealand and I hope to leave carrying stories from Singapore," he says. "That's how understanding grows – through generosity, curiosity and the willingness to learn from one another."

The keynote reflects Arts Access Aotearoa's longstanding belief in the contribution of the arts and creativity to our wellbeing, stronger communities and sense of belonging.

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