Arts Access Aotearoa - Whakahauhau Katoa O Hanga.

Creative spaces directory

Find a creative space in your region.

Northland

Blue Goose Papermill Charitable Trust

Address: 38 Kamo Road, Whangarei 

The Papermill is a "small business" that creates high-quality handmade paper in Whangarei. All the papermakers have an intellectual disability. Recycled materials and noxious plants are used to make paper of a high standard to demonstrate the abilities of people living with a disability. The Papermill is open to individuals, schools, tour buses and other groups to learn hands-on paper making. Visit the Papermill website.
Contact: Trees van Ruth, Creative Director | 09 459 1459 | info@thepapermill.co.nz

Circus Kumarani

Address: 14 Parenga Street, Dargaville

This community circus and creative centre is for "all ages and abilities". It acts as an umbrella organisation for several emerging community circuses in Northland and beyond. Visit the Circus Kumarani website.
Contact: Jenny Huriwai, Northland Manager | 09 439 5152 | info@circuskumarani.co.nz  

Nga Kaiwhakairo-a-Opua Trust

Address: 1 Scoresby Street, Opua, Bay of Islands

Nga Kaiwhakairo-a-Opua Trust works with youth, teaching bone and wood-carving skills. Participants can make skate boards and many craft works.
Contact: Rob S. Reed | Co-ordinator | 021 208 2611 |rs.mm@xtra.co.nz 

Recovery Education Hub

Address: 237 Kamo Road, Whau Valley, Whangarei

This community centre includes a creative space for mental health consumers to participate in a range of arts activities, including mosaics, visual arts, clay and bone carving. A gallery space provides an outlet for its artists to display and sell their work. 
Contact: Trish Madison, Team Leader | 09 437 0467 | trishm@recoverysolutions.co.nz

The Quarry Arts Centre (Northland Craft Trust)

 Address: 21 Selwyn Avenue, Whangarei

This centre provides a community exhibition/gallery space, art workshops, artist studios, a co-op shop, wood turners studio and a printing studio. Visit the Quarry Arts website.
Contact: Claire Nichols, Manager | 09 438 1215 | admin@quarryarts.org

Auckland region

Artstation Toi Tu

Address: 1 Ponsonby Road, Auckland

Artstation is a community arts centre funded by the Auckland Council. It has provided art programmes for more than 25 years for disadvantaged people, including a family creative arts programme at Ronald McDonald House. Artstation has five studios and a gallery showing a programme of exhibitions representing the diversity of Auckland. Visit the Artstation website.
Contact: John Eaden | Manager |09 376 3221 | john.eaden@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz 

A Supported Life

Address: 6b Paramount Drive, Henderson, Auckland

A Supported Life is a charitable trust that runs art training for adults with intellectual disabilities, offering programmes in visual arts, performance and creative writing. Visit the A Supported Life website.
Contact: Stuart Spackman, General Manager | 09 836 1740 (ext 3) stuart@asupportedlife.co.nz 

Hohepa Auckland

Address: 50 Atkinson Road, Titirangi, Auckland

Hohepa Auckland offers opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to live, learn and work with others of all abilities in an atmosphere of mutual care and respect. Examples of art opportunities in the day services include painting, drawing, eurythmy, drama and creativity. Visit the Hohepa website.
Contact:Silke Carter, Manager | 09 817 3761 |admin@auck.hohepa.org.nz 

Hohepa Helios

Address: 18 Barrhead Place, Avondale, Auckland

Hohepa Helios is a creative space providing arts opportunities for people who live residentially at Hohepa and for independent clients who might live with their family. The work is primarily in visual arts. Visit the Hohepa website.
Contact: Richelle Davidson, Co-ordinator | 09 829 2178 | richelle@auck.hohepa.org.nz

Interacting Disability Arts Theatre Company

Address: 13 Mount Royal Avenue, Mount Albert, Auckland

Interacting Disability Arts Theatre Company runs weekly drama classes for performers with experience of disabilities in Sandringham and Henderson. It produces and performs two major productions a year, which offer a range of ways to participate – from performing to set and lighting design, costumes and prop making, and layout for posters and flyers. Visit the Interacting website. 
Contact: Paula Crimmens, Artistic Director | 09 849 5595 | interacting@ihug.org.nz

North Shore Hospital Foundation

Address: North Shore Hospital Campus, Takapuna, North Shore City

The North Shore Hospital Foundation works with local communities, improving hospital and community health services. Its Healing Arts Programme and Art for Social Inclusion Project are creating links in the community and providing access to the arts for thousands of people in contact with the North Shore Hospital. The Foundation values partnerships with creative groups and artists. It also offers the public opportunities to exhibit and has a weekly artisan market. Visit the North Shore Hospital Foundation website.
Contact: Jane Hunter, Executive Director | 09 486 8954  j.hunter@northshorehospitalfoundation.com 

Ranfurly Care Society

Address: 52–56 Ranfurly Road, Epsom, Auckland

The Ranfurly Care Society provides vocational and residential facilities for adults with intellectual impairments. The activity centre day service offers a structured timetable that includes a range of arts activities, such as drama, music, dance, visual arts and craft. Visit the Ranfurly Care Society website.
Contact: Linda Nelson, Society Manager | 09 630 3010 
rancare@xtra.co.nz 
Clive Backhouse, Co-ordinator, Activity Centre | 09 630 4108  

Spark Centre of creative development

Address: Rocky Nook Bowls, Fowlds Park, Rocky Nook Avenue, Auckland

Spark Centre offers visual arts programmes and activities for artists of all abilities. Particular provision is made for people living with diverse life experience (e.g. disabilities, impairment, or other social and personal needs) but everyone is welcome. Sessions offer in-depth, person-centred learning in art making and self-development through creative processes, delivered in a professional and supportive environment. Visit the Spark Centre website.
Contact: Donna Jaser, Public Relations Fundraising Officer | 09 845 5361 |  donna@sparkcentre.org.nz

The Depot Artspace

Address: 28 Clarence Street, Devonport, North Shore City

The Depot is open and inclusive, encouraging engagement in all art forms, and offering various facilities and services that support the creative community, including four galleries, a recording studio, band rehearsal rooms, a graphic design service at nominal rates, an internet radio station and a comprehensive PACE programme. Visit the Depot Artspace website.
Contact: Laurel Belworthy, Gallery Co-ordinator | 09 963 2331  laurel.belworthy@depotartspace.co.nz

Toi Ora Live Art Trust

Address: 6 Putiki Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland

Toi Ora Live Arts Trust was established in 1995 to provide creative learning opportunities and space for people living with mental illness. It provides a programme of classes across art forms, tutored by experienced practitioners, and offer studio space to people wishing to work on individual or collaborative projects. A diverse range of art materials and resources are available. Visit the Toi Ora website.
Contact: Erwin van Asbeck, Manager | 09 360 4171 | erwin@toiora.org.nz

Touch Compass Dance Trust

Address: Classroom 2, Wilson Centre, 1 St Leonard's Road, Takapuna, North Shore City

Touch Compass Dance Trust is a charitable organisation providing performance and dance training for people of all abilities. Touch Compass aims to break down physical and psychological barriers so all people who have a passion for dance can. Visit the Touch Compass website.
Contact: Karen Fraser Payne, General Manager | 09 550 6464 | karen@touchcompass.org.nz

Youthtown

Address: 68a Nelson Street, Auckland

Youthtown's art studio is a space where children, young people and community groups can come and explore, discover and create. Its programme has a multicultural focus, with experienced tutors setting appropriate art projects and working alongside participants to support their imagination and creative path. Visit the Youthtown website.
Contact: Sue Clark, Arts Development Co-ordinator | 09 379 5430 (ext 805) | art@youthtown.org.nz

Waikato 

Artists in the Making

Address: 4 Arthur Street, Whitianga, Coromandel

Artists in the Making is a support service for people with disabilities and is run by the Coromandel Independent Living Trust. Participants meet two days a week to do art activities, including mosaics, china painting and craft.
Contact: Anne Bowden, Co-ordinator | 07 866 0032 | atm@cilt.org.nz 

Lifestyle Trust t/a Interactionz

Address: 25 Claudelands Road,  Hamilton East

Lifestyle Trust assists disabled people to lead lives that have meaning for them, with no limits on what might be possible. Each of the three community centres has a small creative space. Visit the Lifestyle Trust website.
Contact: John Smith, Operations Manager | 07 853 3787 | 027 312 0075  john@interactionz.org.nz

Sandz Gallery and Studio

Address: 6 Kent Street, Frankton Village, Hamilton

This gallery and studio supports artists with intellectual disabilities to become independent artists and promotes their work as an integral part of contemporary art.
Contact: Lorraine Pemberton, Team Leader | 07 847 4344 | sandzstudio@xtra.co.nz

Bay of Plenty

Arohanui Art and Education Trust

Address: 72 Commerce Lane, Te Puke

Arohanui Art and Education Trust is a day service for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. The programmes are varied, providing community involvement in art, gardening, drama, computers, music and many other activities as requested. Visit the Arohanui Art and Education Trust website.
Contact: Jacky Levien, Coordinator | 07 573 7377 | jacky.arohanui@xtra.co.nz

Turning Point Trust

Address: The Historic Village, 17th Avenue, Greerton, Tauranga

Turning Point is a mental health recovery centre offering a range of services to people with mental health and addiction issues. Central to these services is the artspace and gallery, Mind’s Eye. Tutors support people to express their creativity through a range of artistic media, including visual and 3D works, fabric, recycling, computers, and mosaics. People can participate for pleasure, to sell work or for therapeutic creation. Visit the Historic Village or the Turning Point website.
Contact: Arlene Foster, General Manager | 07 578 6934 | arlene@turningpoint.org.nz

East Coast

Vanessa Lowndes Turanga Trust

Address: 143 Derby Street, Gisborne

The Vanessa Lowndes Centre provides day programmes for any person experiencing a physical or intellectual impairment. Its programmes include pottery, computing, gardening, cooking, engineering, numeracy and literacy. Visit the Vanessa Lowndes Centre website.
Contact: Laura Biddle, Programme Co-ordinator | 06 868 4232 | laura@turangahealth.co.nz

Hawke's Bay

Hohepa Hawke's Bay

Address: 363 State Highway 2, Main Road, Clive, Hawke's Bay

At Hohepa Hawke's Bay, community life involves people with intellectual disabilities in daily vocational programmes, ranging from craft skills in weaving and feltmaking to woodwork, candlemaking, farming and stone carving. It offers life plans for personal development and achievement in these vocational areas, and these plans are linked to NZQA accredited courses and certificates. Products from the farm and craft studios are sold through the onsite shop. Visit the Hohepa website.
Contact: Andy White, General Manager | 06 870 0426 |hawk@hawk.hohepa.org.nz

Real People @ Mosaic

Address: 429a Gloucester Street, Taradale, Napier

RealPeople @ Mosaic is a home for artists with disabilities, a creative space, art gallery and life skills education centre. Its Winebox Auction is an established event on the Hawke's Bay art calendar and the education programme features courses in art, life skills, bone carving, sculpture, toi Māori, painting and computers. Visit the RealPeople@Mosaic website.
Contact: Leighann Coleman, Manager | 06 844 4636 | manager@realpeople.gen.nz

Manawatu-Whanganui

Manawatu Supporting Families

Address: 3rd Floor, 151 The Square, Palmerston North

Manawatu Supporting Families has a drop-in centre for people with experience of mental ill-health. It offers a range of art media, including oils, acrylics, water colours, glass paints and pastels, plus there is bone carving, clay moulding and all associated equipment for these activities. There is free coffee, tea, milo and a warm, friendly environment. Visit the Manawatu Supporting Families website.
Contact: Susan Forbes, Consumer Support Co-ordinator | 06 355 8561 | consumer@manuwatusf.org.nz

Creative Journeys

Address: Square Edge Building Courtyard, 52 The Square, Palmerston North

Creative Journeys runs art groups for adults with disabilities, covering painting, dance, drama and mixed media art. Sessions run Monday to Thursday from 9am to 3pm. The cost is $55 per day + GST. Some funding may be available.
Their shop, Creative Journeys End, sells the art works and produce made at group sessions and is open Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm.
Contact: Debbie Harris and Norma Wilson, Co-directors | 06 355 5947 |  creativej@xtra.co.nz

Jorjaz Dance Crew

Address: Baptist Church Hall, 15 Ascot Street, Palmerston North

This is a dance group for people with intellectual disabilities. The group meets on Saturday mornings for sessions with one or two tutors. Participants will be allocated to one of two groups. Participants are given opportunities to perform publicly. Session fees are $5 and no prior dance experience is required.
Contact: Kathy Bergerson, Manager | 06 354 9818 | rjberg@xtra.co.nz

Whanganui Creative Space

Address: Community Arts Centre, 19 Taupo Quay, Whanganui

Whanganui Creative Space is an inclusive arts and crafts space which aims to provide a supportive and accessible environment where people from all walks of life can make art and new friends. Participants have the opportunity to design their own plan with the help of a professional art tutor. A range of media and art making techniques are on offer, including mask making, painting with watercolour, papier mâché, clay work, flax weaving and making mosaics. Sessions are free and run every Wednesday morning from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
Contact: Corrie Struijck, Chair | 06 345 2218 | whanganuicreativespace@gmail.com

Wellington region

Alpha Art Studio

Address: temporary premises

This is a space for artists with intellectual disabilities to develop their artistic skills in the visual arts, crafts and performing arts. It is funded by IDEA Services and provides a safe, supportive environment for artists to work on their individual projects. There is also a gallery, which is open to the public. Community participation and involvement is encouraged.
Contact: Joanne Ridley, Co-ordinator | 04 385 6428 | alpstu@gmail.com

Dudley Arthouse

Address: 2 Dudley Street, Lower Hutt

The Dudley Arthouse is a space for artists with intellectual disabilities to develop their artistic skills. It provides a safe, supportive environment for artists to work on their individual projects. Its gallery is open to the public and visitors are welcome to view and buy the artists' work. Community participation and involvement is encouraged.
Contact: Jules Hunt, Team Leader | 04 566 8420| dudleyarthouse@xtra.co.nz

King Street Artworks

Address: 16 Queent Street, Masterton, Wairarapa

King Street Artworks promotes wellbeing in the community through creative expression and aims to reduce the stigma attached to disabilities. It has an open-door policy and our participants create bone carvings, paintings, textiles, illustrations and more. Visit the King Street website.
Contact: Ian Chapman, Co-ordinator | 06 378 9777 | kingst@wise.co.nz

Mix 

Address: 212 Knights Road, Lower Hutt, Wellington

This creative space (formerly Take 5 & Te Whare Marama) offers workshops in a variety of media, studio areas for ceramics, bone and wood carving, and painting and drawing. Exhibition opportunities include an in-house gallery. The space is open Monday to Friday for those who use mental health services. Visit the Mix website.

Contact: Stephanie Cairns, Manager or Chris Brown, Arts Co-ordinator |04 569 3162 | t5twm@xtra.co.nz

Pablos Art Studios Inc

Address: 189-193 Vivian Street (corner of Vivian and Victoria Streets), Wellington

Pablos Art Studio uses art and creative exploration to encourage people with experience of mental illness to transform their lives and re-engage in the wider community. Artists can access quality art opportunities in an environment that acknowledges career, personal and social needs, and encourages connections and a sense of value in the wider community. ROAR! gallery is a professional gallery and exhibition space that supports artists with limited access to traditional dealer galleries. Visit the Pablos website.
Contact: Gaelen Macdonald, Director | 04 382 8885 | pablos@pablosart.org.nz

Vincents Art Workshop

Address: Level 4, 84 Willis Street, Wellington

Vincents Art Workshop was set up in 1985. It provides access to arts and craft facilities, skilled tuition and materials within a supportive environment. People with disabilities and other people from the community are welcome. Vincents provides a good example of community integration. Visit the Vincents website.
Contact: Glen McDonald, Co-ordinator | 04 499 1030 | vincentsartworkshop@xtra.co.nz 

Voice Arts Trust

Address: 85 Totara Road, Miramar, Wellington

Using the art of performance, Voice Arts Trust delivers projects that are community based, participant driven and focused on creating original theatre that gives voice to isolated and at risk groups within the community. View the Voice Arts Trust website.
Contact: Nicola Pauling, Director | 04 973 0022 | nicola@voice-arts.org.nz 

Wellington Integrated Dance
Address: Te Whaea, 11 Hutchinson St ,  Newtown

 Wellington Integrated Dance (WIDance) runs integrated community dance classes open to all ages and abilities. The classes provide a safe, inclusive environment in which participants develop skills in contemporary dance, improvisation and composition. The cost is $90 waged, $60 unwaged.

Contact: Sumara Fraser, Co-ordinator /Tutor | 04 905 3143 | sumara@paradise.net.nz

Nelson

Community Art Works

Address: 25 Paruparu Rd, Nelson

Community Art Works is open for morning sessions from 10am to noon and afternoon sessions from 1pm to 3pm four days a week, and just for the afternoon session on Tuesdays. It caters for approximately 150 people with mixed abilities every week and sessions run throughout the year. It is staffed by several professional artists, who are experienced teachers and have a passion to share their skills with people. View the Community Art Works website.
Contact: Faye Wulff, Co-ordinator | 03 545 9976 | c.a.works@xtra.co.nz

Magenta Creative Space Charitable Trust

Address: St John's Church, 320 Hardy Street, Nelson 7010

Magenta Creative Space is an art studio for people with experience of mental ill-health. A charitable trust established in 2002, Magenta is not an art therapy institution but the artists who attend find it therapeutic. It is a place where they can relax, meet new people, and be challenged and extended by learning new art-making techniques and skills. Open Mondays and Thursdays.
Contact: Juliet Fox, Manager | 03 545 8498 | 021 143 2213 | jfox@orcon.net.nz

Canterbury

A Different Light Theatre Trust

Address: 2/12 Hewitts Rd, Merivale, Christchurch

A Different Light Theatre Trust explores the possibilities of performance. This includes innovative performance practice and the possibilties of performance with people categorised as having a disability.
Contact: Tony McCaffrey, Artistic Director | 03 940 8000 | mccaffreyt@cpit.ac.nz

Hohepa Canterbury

Address: 23 Barrington Street, Christchurch

At Hohepa Canterbury, approximately 70 residents and numerous day attendees participate in a wide range of educational, sporting, cultural and community participation activities. It offers art, speech and drama, and singing. Singing is very popular and a choir provides performances for special occasions. 
Contact: Christina Reimer, Community Partnership Manager | 03 332 0441 | creimer@canty.hohepa.org.nz

Jolt Dance

Address: 20 Vernon Terrace, Hillsborough, Christchurch

Jolt Dance was established in 2001 to give people with disabilities a creative voice and to promote integrated dance in New Zealand. Jolt offers ongoing dance training for all ages and ablities, and has an established performance company creating original works. In 2007, it established a youth company. Jolt's vision is to celebrate difference and challenge perspectives about dance and disability. Visit the Jolt Dance website.
Contact: Lyn Cotton, Artistic Director | 03 332 0074 | lyncotton@hotmail.com

101 Mental Health Activity Centre

Address: 24a Church Street, Timaru

The 101 Mental Health Activity Centre is a consumer-run drop-in and activity centre for people who have experienced mental illness. The aim is the empowerment of consumers to build their own self-determined recovery through support and advocacy. Activities include arts and crafts, writing, carving, computer studies, and so much more. It is open from 10am to 3pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 1pm on Saturday.
Contact: Mark Bourassa | 03 688 9454 | bourassam@xtra.co.nz

SkillWise

Address: 118 Shortland Street, Wainoni, Christchurch
SkillWise works with adults who have intellectual disabilities. It offers a range of activities and learning opportunities. Its comprehensive arts programme includes photography, pottery, theatre and visual art. It works with a number of organsiations to showcase the work of its artists. Visit the SkillWise website.
Contact: John Grant, General Manager | 03 382 0350 | jg@skillwise.org.nz

Otago

Artsenta

Address: 81 Crawford Street, Dunedin

Artsenta is a shared art studio for people within the mental health community. The staff team has a wide variety of skills to share and it  also invites local artists/tutors to provide workshops. Materials, equipment and tuition for a number of creative activities are provided. There is no charge to come to Artsenta and it caters for people who like to work in all sorts of ways - from individual work to group activities. Visit the Artsenta website.
Contact: Jill Thomson, Director | 03 477 9566 |info@artsenta.org

Art Space

Address: King Edward Court, Stuart Street, Dunedin

This is a space for artists with intellectual disabilities to develop their artistic skills in painting, pottery, mask-making, mosaics, sculpture and wearable arts. Funded by IDEA Services, Art Space provides a safe, supportive environment for participants. It holds an annual exhibition, and community participation and involvement is encouraged.
Contact: Vicki Begg, Manager, IDEA Services | 03 466 3850 |  vicki.begg@idea.org.nz

Studio 2/Margaret Freeman Gallery

Address: 83 Moray Place, Dunedin

Studio 2/Margaret Freeman Gallery is an arm of a larger organisation, Connections Education and Development Trust, which provides a range of services for disabled people. Studio 2/Margaret Freeman Gallery is an art studio and exhibition space, including painting, drawing, print-making and sculpture. One of its aims is to encourage its artists to work independently and help them sell their work.
Contact: Marnie Walters, Programme Administrator | 03 474 5949 | artstudio@xtra.co.nz

Southland

CS Art Creative Space

Address: WEA Centre, 100 Esk Street, Invercargill

CS Art Creative Space caters for people with limited access to the arts. We run four studio sessions a week, currently attended by 20 artists. We also present at least one exhibition every year, in October, showing the artists' work.
Contact: Michelle Dawson, Trustee | 03 221 7203 | dawson1@woosh.co.nz

Mental Health Day Activity Centres

Addresses: Rata House, 59 MacMaster Street, Invercargill | 494D, 494 Dee Street, Invercargill | Welcome In, 37 Hokonui Drive, Gore

There are three Mental Health Day Activity Centres in Southland. We provide an activity-based rehabilitation service with flexible and varied programmes of activities, including the arts. We aim to provide a safe environment for mutual support and information exchange, and to help people overcome social isolation.
Contact: Raewyn Clarke, Team Manager | 03 214 2209 | 027 437 5703  raewyn.clarke@southerndhb.govt.nz

 

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