"I was completely gobsmacked," says Lis Rate-Smith after learning that Christchurch creative space Art-East had received the Arts Access Holdsworth Creative Space Award at Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Awards 2021.

"It's an absolute honour to receive this level of acknowledgement for our work, which has been very much a labour of love and has functioned on very limited time and resources."

Founded in 2014, Art-East is a multidisciplinary creative space that supports people experiencing addiction, mental distress, isolation, homelessness and other life challenges through the arts.

For founder and facilitator Lis Rate-Smith, the kaupapa has always been simple.

"Our purpose is to help people connect with community through the arts."

That commitment to creativity, inclusion and community was recognised through the Arts Access Holdsworth Creative Space Award, which celebrates creative spaces that make the arts more accessible and enrich the lives of the people they work alongside.

In selecting Art-East, the judging panel said:

"Wow! Art-East is a rich mix of intersecting projects that are empowering artists as citizens. The work is grounded in a Kaupapa Māori framework, upholding a quality of practice that incorporates collaboration, innovation and inclusion. We were deeply moved by the story of the Family Recovery Garden Te Oranga Rā and by the coming together of the community of Art-East artists to honour the life and work of one of the artists who passed away."

Creativity as a pathway to connection

Art-East offers opportunities to explore drawing, painting, mosaics, stone carving, papermaking, woodburning, printmaking and sculpture. Artists also visit galleries, collaborate with practising artists and develop creative projects that strengthen both confidence and community connections.

Lis says the organisation grew from a desire to take a different approach to recovery.

"Originally we set out to create a space where people with drug and alcohol issues, and everything that goes with that, could experience creative therapies while gaining a sense of community and connection."

Over time, Art-East has welcomed a broader community of people seeking creativity, belonging and wellbeing.

"Instead of focusing on what was 'wrong' with the person, we wanted to tap into undiscovered or existing strengths that would give them a stronger sense of self and purpose.

"I'm a great believer in the need to replace maladaptive behaviours with positive activities, behaviours and expression. For me, this can be achieved through the arts."

Alongside its studio programme, Art-East has partnered with organisations across Christchurch, including Pathway Trust, supporting creative projects with men in Christchurch Men's Prison and helping participants build confidence, skills and meaningful connections.

The impact of belonging

The difference Art-East makes is reflected in the voices of the people who take part:

• "Thank you for this group. It's been more than I could have dreamed of and is helping me heaps daily."
• "The most important things have been mixing as a group, sharing with others and being understood."
• "I do artwork instead of using drugs all day."

For Lis, comments like these affirm what the team has believed from the beginning.

"Many speak of the opportunity the programme has given them to express and process their situations and experiences safely. Positive social connection, community engagement and the ability to foster healthy interactions are all things we've come to observe and appreciate."

More than a decade after it was founded, Art-East continues to demonstrate how creativity can strengthen wellbeing, foster connection and help people rediscover a sense of purpose through the arts.