Artists and cultural organisations more important than ever says Nelson festival director
Attending the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) Congress and the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) in Singapore was an extraordinary opportunity for professional development, inspiration and connection, writes artistic director of Nelson Arts Festival, Janelle Bish. Supported by a grant from the Foundation's Arts Experience Fund, Janelle joined arts leaders, producers, presenters, artists and festival directors from around the world to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the performing arts sector.
Janelle: "...the experience reaffirmed the value of the arts as a powerful force for connection, understanding and shared humanity."
As Artistic Director of Nelson Arts Festival, the experience provided valuable time to step outside the day-to-day demands of festival delivery and engage with broader conversations about the future of our sector.
It was both affirming and challenging to hear perspectives from colleagues working across vastly different cultural, political and economic contexts, yet grappling with many of the same questions around relevance, sustainability, audience engagement and artistic risk.
The ISPA Congress programme was rich with discussion around leadership, international collaboration, cultural exchange and the role of the arts in responding to social change.
Sessions explored how organisations are adapting to changing audience behaviours, supporting artists through increasingly complex environments, and building resilience in uncertain times.
Jenelle with fellow participants at International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) 2026 Singapore Congress
I was particularly interested in conversations around the importance of place-based practice, community connection and the need for cultural organisations to remain responsive while maintaining artistic ambition.
One of the greatest strengths of ISPA is the opportunity for genuine connection.
Throughout the week I met presenters, producers and festival leaders from Asia, Europe, Australia, North America and beyond. These conversations provided valuable insight into emerging trends, potential touring opportunities and future partnerships. They also reinforced the importance of international networks for regional organisations such as Nelson Arts Festival, enabling us to connect our communities with global artistic conversations while championing work from Aotearoa internationally.
Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) provided "an inspiring window into one of Asia's leading contemporary arts festivals."
Alongside the congress, attending the Singapore International Festival of Arts offered an inspiring window into one of Asia's leading contemporary arts festivals.
SIFA's programming demonstrated a remarkable commitment to artistic excellence, experimentation and cultural dialogue.
The festival presented work that was ambitious in scale while remaining deeply connected to local stories, identities and communities.
Experiencing performances across theatre, music, dance and multidisciplinary forms highlighted the power of festivals to create shared experiences and meaningful conversations.
Theatre goes immerse themselves the production The Lighthouse, created by Australia's Patch Theatre
The work often challenged conventional artistic boundaries, blending technology, tradition, contemporary storytelling and audience participation in innovative ways.
Many of the productions explored themes of identity, history, belonging and social change, demonstrating how artists continue to provide spaces for reflection, empathy and dialogue.
What struck me most was the confidence with which Singapore's arts sector embraces internationalism while remaining firmly grounded in local cultural narratives.
The Lighthouse by Australia's Patch Theatre
There was a clear sense that global engagement and cultural specificity are not opposing forces but complementary strengths. This is a principle that resonates strongly with my own aspirations for Nelson Arts Festival as we continue to develop a programme that reflects the unique stories, people and place of Te Tauihu while engaging with national and international artistic conversations.
Beyond the formal programme, Singapore itself was an inspiring environment in which to learn.
The city's diversity, energy and cultural richness provided a constant reminder of the role arts and culture play in shaping identity, civic life and community connection. Every conversation, performance and encounter offered new perspectives and ideas.
I returned to Aotearoa with renewed energy, fresh inspiration and an expanded network of international colleagues.
The experience reinforced the importance of investing in professional development and international engagement, particularly for regional arts leaders.
It provided practical insights that will inform future programming, partnerships and audience development initiatives, while also strengthening Nelson Arts Festival's ability to contribute to wider national and international arts conversations.
Most importantly, the experience reaffirmed the value of the arts as a powerful force for connection, understanding and shared humanity.
At a time when communities around the world are navigating significant change, the role of artists and cultural organisations has never felt more important.
The Foundation's arts programme brings Asia into the mainstream of New Zealand arts by inspiring New Zealand arts professionals to grow their connections and knowledge of Asia. It also supports the presentation of Asian arts in partnership with New Zealand arts organisations and events.
The Arts Experience Fund (formerly Art Practitioners Fund) supports self-directed opportunities for New Zealand-based arts practitioners to build meaningful artistic and professional connections in Asia. This can include residencies, research tours, work placements and exchanges.
