Introducing creative spaces

Creative spaces are community arts organisations that provide support and opportunities for people with limited access to make art.They are places of sharing, learning, support and creative expression, where people can experience fulfilment, a sense of achievement and self-esteem.

There are more than 80 creative spaces in communities throughout New Zealand. Some encourage an informal, drop-in approach while others prefer a structured approach, with programmes and workshops in writing, visual and performing arts.

Read more about the history of creative spaces. 

A range of approaches

Creative spaces are dynamic places. Some have their origins in institutional programmes while others owe their existence to community-based initiatives. Rather than conforming to one set of practices, different creative spaces can, and do, achieve similar outcomes using a range of approaches or principles.

It is, therefore, worth considering some of the different theories and ideas that have developed over time because many spaces work with various approaches.

Read more about these approaches.

Promote your space and your artists

This section of the website includes:

• a creative spaces directory
• profiles of creative spaces
• profiles of artists working from creative spaces.

If you would like profile on any of these pages, please contact Iona McNaughton, Communications Manager (T: 04 802 4356 E: iona.mcnaughton@artsaccess.org.nz).