Creative spaces directory: Auckland region
Creative spaces are community-based arts organisations and groups where people, often with limited access, can go to make art, participate in theatre, dance, music, film and creative writing. Find a creative space in Auckland. If you would rather look at a national directory, visit the national creative spaces directory.
Email Kate Hiatt, Creative Spaces Advisor, Arts Access Aotearoa to update your entry or to include your creative space in this directory
A Supported Life and two4nine
Address: 104 Lincoln Road, Henderson, Auckland
A Supported Life is a charitable trust that runs art training for adults with intellectual disabilities through its creative hub 'two4nine'. It offers programmes in visual arts, such as painting, sculpture, mosaics, ceramics, performance, photography, film and creative writing. Visit the A Supported Life website.
Contact: Suzanne Larmer, Support and Development Leader | 09 838 2969 | Suzanne@asupportedlife.co.nz
Art for All Trust
Address: Sommerville Special School, 80A Tripoli Road, Panmure, Auckland
Art for All provides art tuition, quality materials, exhibition opportunities and social connection for artists with intellectual disabilities and/or mental health issues. Artists are enabled to feel valued, included, and productive members of society through learning art processes, creating artworks, exhibiting work, and generating income through the sale of their work
Contact: Lynda Scott | 021 993358 | lynda.afa@gmail.com
CeleBRation Choir
University of Auckland Epsom Campus, Epsom Avenue, Auckland
The CeleBRation Choir is a "neurological choir" at the Centre for Brain Research, led by music therapist Alison Talmage: a social singing group specifically for people with communication difficulties resulting from an acquired neurological condition such as stroke, Parkinson’s, brain injury or dementia. Research shows that singing may help to rewire the brain after brain injury, and so could help with conditions like aphasia. Singing may also assist with voice, speech, and memory difficulties. Partners/carers also welcome to participate. Membership inquiries and volunteer applications are welcome. Visit its website or the CeleBRation Choir Facebook
Contact: Alison Talmage | 027 464 2465 | cbrchoir@auckland.ac.nz
Circability Trust
Address: Circability Central, 203-271 Victoria Street West, Victoria Park, Auckland 1010
Circability celebrates difference by providing social circus programmes for all ages and abilities. It's based in the historic former Campbell Free Kindergarten in Victoria Park in the heart of Auckland City. Director Thomas Hinz has more than 30 years experience delivering social circus in both Germany and New Zealand. Its inclusive team delivers programmes throughout Auckland and Northland, including workshops, performances and events. Visit the Circability website.
Contact: Mel Powell, General Manager | 021 220 9246 | office@circability.org
Connect the Dots
Address: various locations around Auckland
Connect the Dots is a registered charitable trust, engaging older people and people living with dementia in creativity through its visual arts programme, Make Moments. This is an Auckland-based programme that works to connect and engage older people, and people living with dementia, with the rich and diverse art and cultural opportunities in Auckland. Connect the Dots’ trained and passionate arts educators deliver facilitated art tours and art-making workshops at local arts venues. The discussions and supported art-making engage participants in intellectual stimulation, cultural engagement and social interaction. Visit Connect the Dots website
Contact: Andrea Gaskin | 021 990 370 | Andrea@connectthedots.org.nz
Creative Collaborative
Address: various locations around Auckland
Creative Collaborative is a group of creative practitioners who work together to make imaginative, transformational and participatory projects in all kinds of places, using the arts to fire up passions, build skills, tell untold stories, look at life with fresh eyes, and grow caring connected communities. Young people having a tough time have a special place in its heart, and lots of their work is about partnerships with youth to make changes they want to see in their world. It also does research and development work designed to build its collective expertise and impact, and grow the potential of the arts in its communities. Visit the Creative Collaborative website
Contact: Asha Munn, Director | asha.munn@outlook.com
Crescendo
Address: 1975 Great North Road, Avondale, Auckland 1026
Crescendo works alongside young people between the ages of 12 to 24 years old, providing an environment where young people can express themselves creatively and are supported to overcome barriers to success. It delivers mentoring programmes in the arts where young people get to engage directly and connect with people working in the creative industries. Visit the Crescendo website
Contact: 021 076 1182 | info@crescendo.org.nz
Flock NZ
Address: various venues across Auckland
Flock was created in Auckland in 2017 with the goal of curating and managing arts programmes with social impact. They are particularly enthusiastic about working with some of our most vulnerable community members to create collaborative performance projects that are guided by the group members’ unique backgrounds, skills and experiences. Flock works from a strength-based kaupapa; the focus is on what people can do, rather than the opposite, and they believe that everyone in the room has skills and ability to share with each other. A genuine commitment to upholding people’s own stories is central. Visit their Facebook page or the Flock NZ website.
Contact: Sally | 021 725598 | sally@flock.nz
Glass Ceiling Arts Collective
Address: various venues across Auckland
Glass Ceiling Arts Collective is a group of creative people that make art that breaks the glass ceiling, creating access to meaningful arts experiences for all people. Their mission is to create equal access to the arts for all; especially for those from marginalised communities enabling everyone to participate in the arts at both a community and professional level. They offer programmes in inclusive musical theatre, hip hop and exploring multi-sensory theatre. Visit their website and their Facebook page for more details.
Contact: Mike Eaglesome | glassceilingartscollective@gmail.com
Interacting Disability Arts Theatre Company
Address: various locations around Auckland
Interacting theatre runs community classes in drama, film making and songwriting at five venues in Auckland throughout term time. It is responsible for the foremost disability arts festival InterACT which is run every October at Corbans Estate Arts Centre in Henderson. It devises and releases original theatre that is performed each year at the InterACT festival. Visit the Interacting website.
Contact: Sabrina Ou | 021 188 9460 | interactingnz@gmail.com
Kāhui Tū Kaha
Address: various locations around Auckland
The Kupenga Ora programme includes daily groups for adults who have experienced mental illness and are either self-referred or referred by Auckland DHB or general practitioners. The programme focuses on health and wellbeing, arts and pre-employment pathways. Visit the Kāhui Tū Kaha website.
Contact: Marion Gordon-Flower, Therapeutic Arts Specialist | Marion.Flower@kahuitukaha.co.nz
Kākano Youth Arts Collective
Address: Corbans Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mt Lebanon Lane, Henderson, Auckland 0612
Led by Mandy Patmore, Kākano Youth Arts Collective is a group of artistically talented West Auckland youth. Established in 2013, Kākano consists of young people typically between the ages of 12 to 20 years old, who have an opportunity to develop a varied set of visual arts skills in a safe and supportive environment. Visit the Kākano Youth Arts Collective website
Contact: kakanocommunication@gmail.com
Māpura Studios
Address: Fowlds Park, Rocky Nook Avenue, St Lukes, Auckland 1022
Māpura Studios provides person-centred visual art and art therapy programmes for adults, teenagers and children of all abilities, with special provision for those living with disability and diversity. Its programmes are a synthesis of fine arts practice and self-development in an inclusive, supportive creative space. It maintains an extensive exhibition calendar at high-profile community galleries and events to showcase its artists’ work. Visit the Māpura Studios website.
Contact: Diana McPherson, Director | 09 845 5361 | info@mapurastudios.org.nz
Mixit
Address: Corbans Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mt Lebanon Lane, Henderson, Auckland 0612
A community project that supports former refugee and migrant teenagers 13 years-early 20s gain life skills, build networks and increase communication and socialisation through the power of creativity. Mixit primarily uses collective engagement and participation in performing arts (dance, drama and music) with core values of: Acceptance, Fun, Growth. Mixit has been providing weekly workshops, summer performance projects and community support for former refugee and migrant youth since 2006. Visit the Mixit website.
Contact: 09 838 3095 | info@mixit.co.nz
Mt Albert Community Club - Ōwairaka Community Club
Address: 831 New North Road, Mt Albert, Auckland 1025
The Ōwairaka Community Club (Mt Albert Community Club) is an activity-based day service for adults who have lived experience of mental health issues/tangata whai i te ora in the Auckland District Health Board area. It provides a range of creative and social opportunities, including annual exhibitions at community galleries. Skilled tutors facilitate the development of members’ creative ideas in a mixture of guided activities and self-directed practice. The club is a supportive meeting place and has been engaging with members of the community since 1991. Visit its website.
Contact: Karen Mann, Manager | 027 591 6978 | mtalbertclub@gmail.com
Ngā Rangatahi Toa Creative Arts Initiative Trust
Address: 1 Ponsonby Road Grey Lynn
Ngā Rangatahi Toa has been nationally and internationally recognised for its social-justice-based education work and Creative Youth Development (CYD) work for young people. Their immersive and intensive programmes use creative arts and wellbeing programmes to help connect rangatahi with their purpose and to imagine a positive future for themselves. Visit the website.
Contact: Huia O'Sullivan, Executive Director | 021 169 6973 | info@ngarangatahitoa.co.nz
PHAB
Address: 8 Auburn Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622
Established more than 40 years ago, PHAB is an inclusive organisation based in Takapuna, Auckland. It promotes self-reliance that enhances social opportunities for people with disabilities and supports its members to design meaningful lives for themselves. Among its range of activities are music workshops, dance, art-making and cultural experiences. PHAB Pasifika includes Phusion 2.0, a cultural dance and performance group. Visit the PHAB website.
Contact: Chewy Wilson, Operations Manager | 027 433 4627 | chewy@phab.org.nz
Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre
Address: 15 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021
This is the only not-for-profit music therapy centre in New Zealand. Its team of nine music therapists provide individual, pair and group music therapy to a range of clients with special needs including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome and Angelman syndrome. It also has outreach music therapy programmes in schools and community centres, as well as parent and caregiver support. Visit the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre website.
Contact: Jen Ryckaert, Director | 09 360 0889 | info@rmtc.org.nz
Sing Up Rodney
Address: Warkworth and Ōrewa, Auckland
Sing Up Rodney is singing and community music therapy group for older people and those living with a neurological condition. Partners/carers and volunteer inquiries also welcome. This group meets on Thursday mornings - first week of the month (except January) in Warkworth, other weeks in Ōrewa, usually school term time. Sing Up Rodney is run by the Kahikatea Music Therapy & Community Arts Trust.
Visit the Trust's website and the Sing Up Rodney Facebook page
Contact: Alison Talmage | 027 464 2465 | SingUpRodney@gmail.com
Story Club
Address: Various locations, Auckland
Established in 2017, the kaupapa of Story Club is connecting community through sharing and celebrating diverse cultures by providing access to art-making activities and creating community projects which raise awareness of minority groups’ cultures and life experiences.
All Story Club activities are free and projects are developed through a process of co-creation - participants are collaborators rather than clients.
Contact: Ann Poulsen | aki.poulsen@gmail.com
Te Karanga Charitable Trust
Address: various locations around Auckland
Te Karanga Charitable Trust works in an educational capacity in the areas of youth mentoring to support and develop community-based projects. The trust has been facilitating youth development programmes since 2006. Working with youth at risk and young adults, it facilitates programmes in a range of mediums such as discussion groups, vocational education, one on one and group mentoring, public speaking, broadcasting, multimedia, music, arts, theatre and film. Visit Te Karanga Charitable Trust website
Contact: 021 067 4265 | info@tekarangatrust.co.nz
The Creative Souls Project
Address: 1 Paynes Lane, Onehunga, Auckland 1061
The Creative Souls Project uses music, art, and performing arts to develop social, emotional and communication skills in children and young people. It is based in Avondale, Auckland, and works to make the arts accessible and affordable. Visit The Creative Souls Project Facebook
Contact: hello@thecreativesoulsproject.co.nz
The 312 Hub
Address: 1 Paynes Lane, Onehunga, Auckland 1061
The 312 Hub is a social enterprise, youth-led hub designed to lead arts education, arts activations and mural arts as a part of a 25-year commitment to transform Onehunga. With a youth-curated gallery and community-led creative studio, it creates impact through creative hustle to motivate, inspire and to ensure youth voices are heard and youth faces are seen at the table where decisions are made. Visit The 312 Hub FB
Contact:info@thepeopleweaver.co.nz
The Corner: Creative Space
Address: 85 O'Shannessey Street, Papakura, Auckland
The Corner: Creative Space is a youth-led community art space with a focus on arts access, development and education. It provides a safe and inclusive environment for young people and the community to socialise, study or develop their artform. It also runs regular events, activations and creative workshops in the space and around Papakura. Young people and community groups are encouraged to utilise the facility and wide range of resources for hui, rehearsals, workshops and events. Visit The Corner: Creative Space website
Contact: Kellie Masiutama, Facility and Resources Manager | contact@thecornercreative.space
Toi Ora Live Art Trust
Address: 6 Putiki Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021
Toi Ora Live Art 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: Susanne Ritzenhoff, Director | 09 360 4171 | info@toiora.org.nz
Touch Compass
Office address: G5/43a Linwood Avenue, Mt Albert, Auckland 1025
Touch Compass is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading professional arts organisation whose work is disability-led. They deliver high-quality performances and arts activations. To support a stronger resilient arts sector and disability-conscious society Touch Compass offers youth (tamariki/rangatahi) and adults (pakeke) community classes, school programmes and workshops, and pathways to professional development for disabled artists and practitioners and non-disabled people wishing to engage in the performing arts through creative expression. Visit the Touch Compass website.
Contact: +64 9 600 1357 | E office@touchcompass.org.nz
Youthtown
Address: 143 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: Fiona Schuler, After School Programme Co-ordinator | 09 379 5430 (ext 805) | info@youthtown.org.nz
