Make it LOUD: Empower queer creativity in the Waikato

LOUD Creative exists to make the arts a place where everyone belongs. Based in the Waikato, we’re a charitable trust that promotes accessibility, inclusion, and representation across all areas of the performing arts.

LOUD began as a small group of theatre-makers who saw first-hand how many people were excluded from creative spaces — because of disability, identity, or simply a lack of access. We believed the arts could do better. So we built something different: a platform where creative voices from marginalised communities could be seen, heard, and celebrated.

Over the years, LOUD has developed accessible arts programmes, inclusive stage productions, and training opportunities for people of all abilities, genders, and backgrounds. We’ve become known for our advocacy and hands-on approach to making the arts a space of belonging — not just for performers, but for audiences, and the community.

Now, we’re stepping into our next chapter: producing the Waikato Queer Arts Festival (WQAF), a bold new celebration of queer creativity and community. Through this festival and everything we do, LOUD Creative continues to live by the kaupapa — that art is at its most powerful when everyone has a place in it.

Your tautoko helps us keep that belief alive — funding inclusive projects, fair artist pay, accessibility initiatives, and opportunities for people who have too often been left out of the story. Together, we can make some noise — and change. 🌈🎭✨

We've set a pretty aspirational financial goal, but every little bit counts! It goes towards:

- Venue hire

- Artist fees (and associated costs)

- Promoting the Festival

- Making ticket prices accessible