The Art Lens is a youth-led platform designed to support young writers in Aotearoa New Zealand who lack accessible pathways to publish, promote, and discuss their work regularly. The Art Lens responds to a gap within New Zealand’s literary landscape: the absence of dedicated, sustained spaces designed for emerging young writers to develop their voices, share their work publicly, and learn how to step into writing as a practice rather than as an aspiration. While writing remains central to the platform, we also recognise that many other young artists face similar barriers.
The Art Lens is for high school students and writers under 25 who are still finding their footing in the writing space or those who may not yet have extensive publication histories but are committed to developing writing as a practice.
The Art Lens podcast
The Art Lens is a space for young artists across disciplines to speak openly about their work, process, and ideas.
Each episode features one artist per session, allowing for an intimate, focused conversation that goes beyond surface-level promotion. Around 26 minutes, we explore creative beginnings, influences, doubts, experiments, and the difficult moments that often sit behind finished work. Artists are also encouraged to share and promote their current projects, upcoming releases, exhibitions, or publications, while situating their work within a wider creative and cultural context.
The podcast welcomes artists from anywhere. Flexible setups allow artists to be featured regardless of location.
If you’re interested, email tunmiseadebowale72@gmail.com with a brief introduction to your work.
-> The Art Lens (Otago Access Radio)
-> The Art Lens (Spotify)
-> The Art Lens (Apple Podcasts)
Contact
theartlensnz@gmail.com
@theartlensnz
Issue 1
-> About the Editorial Committee
Editor-in-Chief
Tunmise Adebowale
Prose & Essays Editor
Stella Weston
Poetry Editor
Elaine Li
Our first issue is curated. Open submissions will begin with Issue 2.