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.

News, events, opportunities and tips

Arts Access Aotearoa can help you promote your creative space and reach a larger audience. We write news stories and post these on the website and, sometimes, on The Big Idea, Creative New Zealand, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, and Scoop websites. We also promote these stories on social media. Please email Iona with your newsworthy stories and artists. Also let us know if you want to be listed in the creative spaces directory and have any useful tips, resources, opportunities and events to share. 

You can post your accessible arts events on the Arts Access Aotearoa events calendar and we will broadcast it to other relevant what's on sites.