Secret Art Powers

How creative thinking can achieve radical change

“A brilliant and important book by one of New Zealand’s greatest creative minds.”

— Bret McKenzie, Flight of the Conchords

What secret powers do artists use daily? How might they help us navigate these complex, changing times?

Celebrated artist Jo Randerson explores six creative mindsets which can help us dissolve unhealthy power relationships, communicate across difference, and to sing while we do it.

Secret Art Powers has already had wide success; the first print run sold out within 2 weeks. Jo is appearing at literary festivals around Aotearoa in 2026 and the book has received glowing reviews and public response.

Jo is also an acclaimed performer and alongside traditional panels and forums, they can also offer theatrical lectures demonstrating the powers. Their debut theatrical lecture at the upcoming Auckland Writers Festival sold out within weeks of the festival launching.

  • “Inspiring, funny, profound, timely, challenging, nourishing... I loved it!... The technocentric world is closing in around us. The future is creativity. The future is in this book. Read it!”

    —Bret McKenzie, Flight of the Conchords

  • “A wonderful gift: it feels like exactly what we all need right now and probably forever. It’s joyful and generous and affirming, by which I mean it makes you feel more real, which is such a relief. No one but Jo could do it.”

    —Freya Daly Sadgrove

  • “I don’t think I’ve ever before used the word “groundbreaking” to describe a book!...This book is so overwhelming that I had to stop reading it at intervals to fully experience and come to terms with my feelings of joyful recognition.”

    —Margaret Austin

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The Wind Is Up and We're On