New co-ordinator makes connections
Working with diverse groups, facilitating community and national events, and implementing innovative arts projects are
among the skills that Claire Noble brings to her new role as Arts Access Aotearoa’s Community Development Co-ordinator.
Claire joined the Arts Access Aotearoa team in its Wellington office this week. She has been visiting local creative
spaces and meeting members of the Arts For All Wellington Network.
“I have a real passion and belief in the idea that everyone should have access to the arts. This role is a chance for me
to help open doors to new audiences.
“I’ve always been interested in working with people from different cultures, lifestyles and background, supporting them
to tell their own stories through the arts.”
Claire, who grew up in Cambridge in the Waikato, has been passionate about theatre since the age of seven when she
played the role of the Red Queen in a local theatre production of Alice in Wonderland. However, she is interested in all
artforms and believes the arts are simply a part of who we are.
In Wellington, she completed her degree in theatre, film and English at Victoria University before heading overseas.
After five years living in Britain, she returned to New Zealand in 2010 and has been working in Auckland since then in a
variety of arts co-ordination roles.
This includes roles as co-ordinator of the Auckland Producers Network, project manager of the Southside Pride Youth
Project and co-ordinator of the visual arts event White Night for the Auckland Arts Festival 2011.
“In my time in Auckland, I’ve built up a wide range of networks in the arts and education sectors,” Claire says. “I’m
looking forward to developing these connections to progress Arts Access Aotearoa’s projects in Auckland.
“I’m also excited about linking up with my other contacts in the arts world as I connect with creative spaces and Arts
For All networks around the country.”
Claire’s interest in working with diverse groups and engaging with audiences began in Liverpool, England in 2004. A
six-month Workshop Leader in the Arts course resulted in employment at the Pacific Road Arts Centre and World Museum
Liverpool, where she led community projects and drama classes.
“My most memorable projects were leading weekly drama classes with disabled adults and engaging with prisoners to
perform their version of Romeo and Juliet,” Claire recalls.
She also co-ordinated a team of youth leaders who worked alongside young people with limited access and learning
disabilities from six high schools.
“I can’t wait to get stuck into my new role, learn new skills and engage with our disabled arts community,” Claire says.
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