About creative spaces

Creative spaces are organisations and places where people who experience barriers to participation can make art, or participate in artistic activities such as theatre, dance, circus, music, film and creative writing. Participants include people who are Deaf or hard of hearing; have learning, neurological or physical impairments; experience of mental distress; age-related vulnerability (senior citizens or vulnerable youth); and cultural isolation.

These organisations and groups provide space, resources and assistance in ways that will lead to self-expression, empowerment and self-development through making art or participating in artistic activities. There are many creative spaces 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
Arts Access Aotearoa facilitates a national Creative Spaces Network. If you would like to join this national network and also join a regional network, please contact a member of our creative spaces team.