Creative spaces directory

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 your region. Email Iona to update your entry or to include your creative space in this directory.

Visit the directory of young people and the arts.

Northland
Auckland region
Waikato
Bay of Plenty
East Coast
Hawke's Bay
Manawatu-Whanganui
Wellington region
Nelson
Canterbury and West Coast
Otago
Southland

Northland

Circus Kumarani

Address: 15 Onslow St, Dargaville
This community circus and creative centre is for all ages and abilities. It acts as an umbrella organisation for several emerging community circuses in Northland and beyond. Visit the Circus Kumarani website.
Contact: Tania Whetu, Manager | 09 439 5152 | admin@circuskumarani.co.nz

NorthAble LYNKZ

Address: 42 John Street, Whangarei
LYNKZ are a community whanau of people with disabilities aged between 16-65 coming together Monday to Thursday to enjoy creative artmaking activities, trips, learning skills in a community setting, transition from school and circus skills. At LYNKZ they try and do everything! Visit their Facebook page to see if LYNKZ might be the place for you
Contact: The LYNKZ Team, 09 430 3470 | lynkz@northable.org.nz

Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre Whangarei

Address: 7 Rust Avenue, Whangarei
Raukatauri is the only not-for-profit music therapy centre in New Zealand, providing services in Auckland, Hawke's Bay and Whangarei. Its music therapists provide individual, pair and group music therapy to a range of clients with special needs, including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, mental health diagnoses and dementia. Raukatauri 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: Katie Boom, Registered Music Therapist | 09 430 0334 | katieboom@rmtc.org.nz

Te Pu o Te Wheke Arts

Address: 81 Broadway, Kaikohe
This is an open gallery space run as a co-op of artists who make a small weekly contribution to hang works for sale. Te Pu o Te Wheke Arts is community focused, a place to share ideas and inspiration and support each other to make it happen. It's open Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 2pm.
Contact: Sasha Wilson, Gallery Manager | E: cortinautegirl@gmail.com

The Blue Goose Papermill Charitable Trust

Address: 38 Kamo Road, Whangarei
The Papermill is a "small business" that creates high-quality handmade paper in Whangarei. All the papermakers have an intellectual disability. Recycled materials and noxious plants are used to make paper of a high standard to demonstrate the abilities of people living with a disability. The Papermill is open to individuals, schools, tour buses and other groups to learn hands-on paper making. Visit the Papermill website.
Contact: Annelies Leeuwenburg, Creative Director | 09 459 1459 | info@thepapermill.co.nz

The Quarry Arts Centre (Northland Craft Trust)

Address: 21 Selwyn Avenue, Whangarei
This centre provides a community exhibition/gallery space, art workshops, artist studios, a co-op shop, wood turners studio and a printing studio. Visit the Quarry Arts website.
Contact: Russell Mooyman, Manager | 09 438 1215 | admin@quarryarts.org

Auckland region

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

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 conditions 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: University Administrator | 09 923 6886 | 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: Thomas Hinz, Programme Director | 021 209 8507 | office@circability.org

Connect the Dots

Address: art galleries 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: spaces 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 its 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: Amber Walls or Asha Munn, Co-directors | amberwalls2@gmail.com, asha.munn@outlook.com

Dance & Arts Therapy NZ

Address: Auckland-wide with two programmes in Christchurch
This is a charitable trust dedicated to empowering and supporting individuals and groups from vulnerable communities. It offers arts therapy drop-in programmes for at-risk children from low-income backgrounds, dance movement therapy programmes for adults and young adults with special needs and disabilities, and smaller clinical sessions to support and empower children with special needs and disabilities. Most of the programmes are free. Visit the website
Contact: info@dancetherapy.co.nz | 09 636 3029

Interacting Disability Arts Theatre Company

Address: 13 Mount Royal Avenue, Mount Albert, 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

Māpura Studios

Address: Fowlds Park, Rocky Nook Avenue, Auckland
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
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: info@mixit.co.nz | 09 838 3095

Mt Albert Community Club

Address: 831 New North Road Mt Albert 1025
The 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

Ranfurly Care Society

Address: 52–56 Ranfurly Road, Epsom, Auckland
The Ranfurly Care Society provides vocational and residential facilities for adults with intellectual impairments. The activity centre day service offers a structured timetable that includes a range of arts activities, such as drama, music, dance, visual arts and craft. Visit the Ranfurly Care Society website.
Contact: Linda Nelson, Society Manager | 09 630 3010 | info@ranfurlycare.co.nz
Clive Backhouse, Co-ordinator, Activity Centre | 09 630 4108

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 https://kahikateamusictherapyandcommunityartstrust.wordpress.com/ and the Sing Up Rodney Facebook page
Contact: Alison Talmage | 027 464 2465 | SingUpRodney@gmail.com

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

The Depot Artspace

Address: 28 Clarence Street, Devonport, Auckland 0624
The Depot Artspace is a creative, open and inclusive cultural community. It offers a variety of facilities, services and events that support and encourage creativity by providing opportunities for participation and appreciation. Since the Depot opened in 1996, the available facilities and services have constantly grown and developed in response to community needs. Currently, it provides a professional development programme, publications, a recording studio, galleries, and more. Visit the Depot Artspace website.
Contact: Linda Blincko, Creative Director | 09 963 2331 | Linda.Blincko@depotartspace.co.nz

The Dust Palace

Address: 61E Hugo Johnston Drive, Penrose, Auckland 1061
The Dust Palace is a leading circus facility and circus arts provider in Aotearoa. Based in the heart of the Maungakiekie-Tamaki area of Tāmaki Makaurau, The Dust Palace provides access to circus training and education across both the professional circus industry and the social circus sector. It runs a recreational circus school for all ages, provides scholarships and outreach programmes for young people of limited means, runs circus youth company HighJinx, and provides the community with a selection of performance events and opportunities. It also provides pathways into professional employment as Aotearoa's most established circus theatre company.
Contact: Eve Gordon, Artistic Director | 021 8222 36 | eve@thedustpalace.co.nz

Toi Ora Live Art Trust

Address: 6 Putiki Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland
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: Maggie Gresson, Director | 09 360 4171 | info@toiora.org.nz

Touch Compass Dance Trust

Address: Classroom 2, The Wilson Centre, 1 St Leonard's Road, Hauraki, Auckland
Touch Compass Dance Trust is a charitable organisation providing performance and dance training for people of all abilities. Touch Compass aims to break down physical and psychological barriers so all people who have a passion for dance can. Visit the Touch Compass website.
Contact: Interim General Manager | 09 550 6464 | info@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

Waikato

Artists in the Making

Address: 4 Arthur Street, Whitianga, Coromandel
Artists in the Making is a support service for people with disabilities and is run by the Coromandel Independent Living Trust. Participants meet two days a week to do art activities, including mosaics, china painting and craft.
Contact: John Hawken, Co-ordinator | 07 866 0032 | atm@cilt.org.nz

Artmakers

Address: Norris / Ward Park Arts Centre, 2 Seddon Road, Hamilton, 3240
Artmakers is a community arts learning and project development initiative. For more than 30 years, Artmakers has offered a whole range of workshops, including for youth, young parents, children, people with disabilities, teachers, community and social workers, adults and seniors, migrant and former refugee communities. Artmakers particularly enjoys facilitating special projects around a social development theme and creating collective community artworks. It also helps people to create digital stories combining their voice, images and art. Artmakers' funding depends on grants, fees and donations.
Contact: Sylvie Bolstad | 07 839 4561 | 021 991 576 | info@artmakers.co.nz | www.artmakers.co.nz

Arts For Health

Address: Norris / Ward Park Arts Centre, 2 Seddon Rd, Hamilton
Arts For Health Community Trust provides a holistic approach to health and ongoing activities for adults recovering from illness, injury and disability. It offers a range of arts and crafts, including painting, card making, paper making, collage and stone carving.
Contact: Cass Hendry | 07 838 2271 | office@artsforhealth.co.nz | www.artsforhealth.co.nz

Sandz Studio and Gallery

Address: 6 Kent Street, Frankton Village, Hamilton 3216
This studio and gallery supports artists with intellectual disabilities to become independent artists, and promotes their work as an integral part of contemporary art.
Contact: Maree Glass | 07 847 4344 | sandzgallery@gmail.com | www.sandzgallery.co.nz | Instagram

Te Whare Toi o Ngaruawahia - Twin Rivers Community Art Centre

Address: 18 Herschel Street, Ngaruawahia
This is a community hub serving people of all ages from Ngaruawahia and North Waikato, many of whom face a variety of life challenges. Its kaupapa is to provide creative programmes, projects and events and access to participate in social and community activities. It runs art for health classes, mahi toi classes, evening and day classes, school holiday programmes and masterclasses. It also does projects in schools and preschools, runs events focused on local and cultural celebrations, and has a focus on creative projects that enhance and tell the stories of its community.
Contact: Jane Stevens, Manager | 021 222 0191 | twinriversartc.t@xtra.co.nz | TwinRivers Community Art Centre facebook

Bay of Plenty

Arohanui Art and Education Trust

Address: 72 Commerce Lane, Te Puke
Arohanui Art and Education Trust is a day service for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. The programmes are varied, providing community involvement in art, gardening, drama, computers, music and many other activities as requested. Visit the Arohanui Art and Education Trust website.
Contact: Peter Gibson, General Manager | 07 579 4603 | arohanuiart@xtra.co.nz

St Chads Communication Centre Trust

Address: 2 Devon Street, Rotorua
St Chads provides inclusive support and opportunities for people with disabilities. Individual and group creative programmes and workshops offer a variety of creative mediums and techniques, including mosaic, decoupage, wire armature, clay, woodwork, card making, and sewing, as well as performing arts, music and cultural performance. Other opportunities are also available. Visit the St Chads website
Contact: Nicky Mayne, Centre Manager | 07 347 8515 | info@stchads.co.nz

Turning Point Trust

Address: The Historic Village, 17th Avenue, Tauranga
Turning Point is a mental health recovery centre offering a range of services to people with mental health and addiction issues. Central to these services is the artspace and gallery, Mind’s Eye. Tutors support people to express their creativity through a range of artistic media, including visual and 3D works, fabric, recycling, computers, and mosaics. People can participate for pleasure, to sell work or for therapeutic creation. Visit the Historic Village or the Turning Point website.
Contact: Terre Heath, Activities Coordinator | 07 578 6934 | terree@turningpoint.org.nz

The Incubator Creative Hub

Address: The Historic Village, 159 17th Avenue, Tauranga
The Incubator Creative Hub is a vibrant community of creatives where the arts enrich lives and foster community connection through a wide range of programmes, projects, performances and artist spaces. It includes The Incubator Gallery and Studios for emerging and professional artists with six permanent working artist studios; community gallery The People’s Gallery toi ka rere; The Satellite Studios artists' exchange; The Jam Factory music platform; The Artery art learning workshop; and Okorore ngā toi Māori studios,gallery and whare taonga. The Incubator website
Contact: Simone Anderson, Director | 07 571 3232 | info@theincubator.co.nz

East Coast

Vanessa Lowndes Turanga Trust

Address: 143 Derby Street, Gisborne
The Vanessa Lowndes Centre provides day programmes for any person experiencing a physical or intellectual impairment. Its programmes include art and craft, computing, gardening, cooking, maintenance, sewing, Te Reo, physical fitness, numeracy and literacy. Visit the Vanessa Lowndes Centre website.
Contact: Nyoka Fox, Programme Co-ordinator | 06 869 0457 | nyoka.fox@turangahealth.co.nz

Hawke's Bay

Hohepa Creative Works

Address: 138 Tennyson St, Napier
A collaborative space of artists and craftspeople where individuals can explore their creativity on a loom or learn the intricate craft of candle making. They work only with natural raw materials and promote income opportunities for the artists and crafts people by selling through the onsite shop and through retail stores. Week-day tours (11am and 2pm) run to see how products are created. Visit the Hohepa Creative Works website.
Contact: Julia Sobkowiak, Community Particpation Coordinator | 06 871 5514 | Julia.sobkowiak@hohepa.com

Hohepa Hawke's Bay

Address: 363 State Highway 2, Main Road, Clive, Hawke's Bay
At Hohepa Hawke's Bay, community life involves people with intellectual disabilities in daily vocational programmes ranging from craft skills in weaving and feltmaking to woodwork, candlemaking, farming and stone carving. It offers life plans for personal development and achievement in these vocational areas. Products from the farm and craft studios are sold through the onsite shop. Visit the Hohepa website.
Contact: Santiago Demarco, General Manager | 06 870 0426 | santiago.demarco@hohepa.com

Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre Hawkes Bay

Address: 61 Freyberg Avenue, Napier and 30 Te Mata Road, Havelock North
Raukatauri is the only not-for-profit music therapy centre in New Zealand, providing services in Auckland and now also in Hawke's Bay. Its team of music therapists provides individual, pair and group music therapy to a range of clients with special needs, including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, Angelman syndrome and dementia. Raukatauri 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: Will Darbyshire, music therapist | 06 870 3990 | willdarbyshire@rmtc.org.nz

Real People @ Mosaic

Address: 429a Gloucester Street, Taradale, Napier
RealPeople @ Mosaic is a home for artists with disabilities, a creative space, art gallery and life skills education centre. Its education programme features courses in art, life skills, bone carving, sculpture, toi Māori, painting and computers. Visit the RealPeople@Mosaic website.
Contact: Leighann Coleman, Studio Coordinator | 06 844 4636 | leighann.coleman@psec.org.nz

Manawatu-Whanganui

Supporting Families in Mental Illness Manawatu

Address: 160 Cuba Street, 5010 Palmerston North (Front door, Pitt Street)
Manawatu Supporting Families has a drop-in centre for people with experience of mental ill-health and or addictions. It offers a range of art media, including oils, acrylics, water colours, glass paints and pastels, plus there is clay moulding and all associated equipment for these activities - Tuesdays 12-4pm. There is free coffee, tea, milo and a warm, friendly environment. Visit the Manawatu Supporting Families website.
Contact: Susan Forbes, Consumer Support Co-ordinator | 06 355 8561 | consumer@manawatusf.org.nz

NOA Open Studio

Address: Te Manawa Museum, 326 Main Street, Palmerston North 4410
Nau mai, haere mai ki NOA Open Studio. NOA is based in the foyer of Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History on Wednesdays and Thursdays 10.00am to 2.30pm. Entry is by gold coin koha. NOA offers facilitated drawing, painting, sculpture and performance art. It is run by the participants, some of whom have experienced mental ill health, or have intellectual or other disabilities. NOA is about sharing public space to create and celebrate art. All visitors to Te Manawa can join in the fun, or take a clipboard with drawing materials to use as they move through the spaces. Visit NOA's Facebook page.
Contact: Mirjam de Oude, Art Facilitator | 06 355 5000

Creative Journeys Ltd

Address: 47 The Square Edge Building Courtyard, Palmerston North 4410
Creative Journeys provides art-based day programmes for community members often excluded from conventional day-time activity. People seeking its services include people with intellectual disability; people with lived experience of mental illness; and those facing difficult personal change. Its mission is “Connecting to make magic happen”. Visit its Facebook page.
Contact: Rochelle Swensson or Sheryl Cruden | 06 355 5947 | creativej@xtra.co.nz

Jorjaz Dance Crew

Address: Baptist Church Hall, 15 Ascot Street, Palmerston North
This is a dance group for people with intellectual disabilities. The group meets on Saturday mornings for sessions with one or two tutors. Participants will be allocated to one of two groups. Participants are given opportunities to perform publicly. Session fees are $50 for 10 lessons and no prior dance experience is required.
Contact: Kathy Bergerson and Diana Cole, Managers | 06 354 9818 | dkcole51@gmail.com

ExplorArtz, Whanganui Creative Space

Address: 61 Dublin Street, Whanganui
ExplorArtz, Whanganui Creative Space is a free, community art space inviting people to come and create art and crafts. It provides a safe, supportive work space and resources. Here, everyone is welcome to come along, learn new skills and discover their creative side with support from its art tutor to assist you in your own creative goals and journey. It welcomes you anytime on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 3pm, and phone for variable weekend days also available. Visit its Facebook page. Contact: wcsarttutor@gmail.com

Wellington region

Arts On High

Address: 191 High St, Hutt City
Arts On High is a space for artists with intellectual disabilities to develop their artistic skills. It provides a safe, supportive and learning environment for artists to work on their individual projects. Its gallery is open to the public and visitors are welcome to view and buy the artists' work. Community participation and involvement is encouraged.
Contact: Sandi or Janet | 04 569 2181 | artsonhigh@xtra.co.nz

Come Sew With Me

Address: Rose Cottage, Elizabeth Park, cnr of Dixon and Park St, Masterton.
Come Sew With Me Ltd is a working sewing machine museum where the public can come to view, sew, or learn to sew on my vintage sewing machines. Since December 2017 the Museum has become the happy place for many in the community who come in regularly to create beautiful things. People of all ages, cultures, genders and abilities are welcomed, and because you can’t sew on an empty stomach, those who come are provided with morning, afternoon tea and our famous fresh scones at lunchtime. Open week days 10am - 4pm. Visit the Come Sew With Me Facebook page.
Contact: Heather Bannister, Museum Director | comesewwithme63@gmail.com

Igniting the Creative Spark

Address: 41c Heretaunga Street, Petone
This creative space offers access to creativity – encouraging, nurturing, playing and connecting to ourselves, to our joy and our creative soul. It offers workshops, projects, performances and coaching, and includes the Alpha Omega Playback Theatre Company. Director Claire Hewitt’s work is based in theatre and music. She runs specialist classes in these areas but also develops projects alongside businesses, organisations and schools. Igniting the Creative Spark is a gentle, caring and generous space, promoting wellbeing. Visit its website
Contact Claire Hewitt, Director | 027 342 0628 | claire@creativespark.nz

Kapiti Art Studio

Address: 6 Tongariro Street, Paraparaumu, Kapiti Coast
Art Studio is space where people in Kapiti who are differently abled and/or living with mental illness can express themselves through art. Its mission is to nurture the creativity that comes from within and to foster a more inclusive society. It embraces and celebrates difference and cultural diversity. Visit the Kapiti Art Studio Facebook page.
Contact: Rebecca Bond, Co-ordinator | 022 355 2656 | kapitiartstudio@gmail.com

King Street Artworks

Address: 16 Queen Street, Masterton, Wairarapa
King Street Artworks promotes wellbeing in the community through creative expression and aims to reduce the stigma attached to disabilities. It has an open-door policy and our participants create bone carvings, paintings, textiles, illustrations and more. Visit the King Street website.
Contact: Ian Chapman, Co-ordinator | 06 378 9777 | kingst@net.nz

MIX

Address: 212 Knights Road, Hutt City and Uniting Parish Church, 2 Benzie Ave, Upper Hutt
This creative space offers workshops in a variety of media, studio areas for ceramics, bone and wood carving, and painting and drawing. Exhibition opportunities include an in-house gallery. The Hutt City space is open Monday to Friday for people who use mental health services. The Upper Hutt is open for art sessions on Tuesday and the wider wellbeing programme is open through most of the week. Visit the MIX website.
Contact: Charlotte Miller | 04 569 3162 | lowerhutt@mix.org.nz

Opportunity Arts

Opportunity Arts advocates for and empowers artists of diverse backgrounds who face barriers to participation in the arts. It provides practical support to individuals to develop sustainable arts practices. It works with talented and dedicated emerging artists, who for various reasons (for example, disability) require additional support to access opportunities that can increase their audience, profile, income, sense of pride and purpose. It's passionate about social change and diversifying the New Zealand contemporary art scene. Visit Opportunity Arts' website and online shop, plus its Facebook page.
Contact: Eryn Gribble, Director | 027 470 6307 | opportunityarts@gmail.com

Pablos Art Studio Inc

Address: 118 Tory St, Wellington
Pablos Art Studio uses art and creative exploration to encourage people with experience of mental illness to transform their lives and re-engage in the wider community. Artists can access quality art opportunities in an environment that acknowledges career, personal and social needs, and encourages connections and a sense of value in the wider community. ROAR! gallery is a professional gallery and exhibition space that supports artists with limited access to traditional dealer galleries. Its ROAR! gallery is situated at 209 Left Bank Arcade, Wellington. Visit the Pablos website.
Contact the team: | 04 382 8885 | director@pablosart.org.nz

Te Ara Korowai

Address: 1 Weka Rd, Raumati Beach, Kapiti Coast
Te Ara Korowai is a community-based creativity project for people who want to improve their mental wellbeing. It has a studio space where people can learn diverse skills to increase community connectedness and improve their wellbeing. It also offers peer support and advocacy, training and wellbeing workshops. For more info.
Contact: Sarah Yuile, Manager | 04 299 6981 | info@tearakorowai.org.nz

The Shed Project Kapiti

Address: 20 Tongariro St, Paraparaumu
The Shed Project aims to improve the lives of differently abled people and their communities. It provides many opportunities and choices, including art classes, music classes, community-based NZQA accredited education, hands-on vocational courses, woodworking, craft skills, toy-making and recreational events (fishing, camping etc). Visit the website.
Contact: Denis Wood, Manager | 04 297 2713 | denis@shedproject.co.nz

Vincents Art Workshop

Address: Willis St Village, 5/148 Willis Street, Wellington
Vincents Art Workshop was set up in 1985 as an inclusive space where everyone is welcome to come and create. It provides access to arts and craft facilities, skilled tuition and materials within a supportive environment. Visit the Vincents website.
Contact: Glen McDonald, Co-ordinator | 04 499 1030 | vincentsartworkshop@xtra.co.nz

Vinnies Re Sew

Address: Mezzanine Floor, 32 Rongotai Road, Kilbirnie, Wellington

Vinnies Re Sew is a sustainable sewing studio that uses the textile waste from Vinnies op shops to create meaningful creative activities and opportunities for anyone within the Wellington region. It’s a space where ideas, crafts and skills are shared across generations and cultures. Visit the website

Contact: Caroline O’Reilly, Textile Recycling Co-ordinator and Sewing Tutor | 027 499 4882 | resew@vinnieswgtn.org.nz

Voice Arts Trust

Address: 85 Totara Road, Miramar, Wellington
Using the art of performance, Voice Arts Trust delivers projects that are community based, participant driven and focused on creating original theatre that gives voice to isolated and at risk groups within the community. View the Voice Arts Trust website.
Contact: Nicola Pauling, Director | 04 973 0022 | nicola@voice-arts.org.nz

Wellington Integrated Dance

Address: Te Whaea, 11 Hutchinson St , Newtown, Wellington
Wellington Integrated Dance (WIDance) runs integrated community dance classes open to all ages and abilities. The classes provide a safe, inclusive environment in which participants develop skills in contemporary dance, improvisation and composition. The cost is $90 waged, $60 unwaged. Visit the website.
Contact: Sumara Fraser, Coordinator/Tutor | 021 050 1565 | widancenz@gmail.com

Nelson and Blenheim

Community Art Works

Address: 81 Achilles Ave, Nelson
Community Art Works is open for morning sessions from 10am to noon and afternoon sessions from 1pm to 3pm five days a week, and just for the afternoon session on Tuesdays. It caters for approximately 150 people with mixed abilities every week and sessions run throughout the year. It is staffed by several professional artists, who are experienced teachers and have a passion to share their skills with people. Nelson Firespinners club operates out of its premises on a Thursday night. Read more about Community Art Works. Visit its Facebook page.
Contact: Faye Wulff, Co-ordinator | 03 545 9976 | c.a.works@xtra.co.nz

Magenta Creative Space Charitable Trust

Address: 320 Hardy Street, back of St John Church Hall, Nelson 7010
Magenta Creative Space is an art studio for people with experience of mental ill-health. A charitable trust established in 2002, Magenta is not an art therapy institution but the artists who attend find it therapeutic. It is a place where they can relax, meet new people, and be challenged and extended by learning new art-making techniques and skills. Open Mondays and Thursdays.
Contact: Kay Van Dyk | 021 100 5899 | (03) 545 8498

Canterbury and West Coast

AMPSS101 - Addiction Mental Health Activity Centre

Address: 24a Church Street, Timaru
AMPSS101 is a community drop-in-centre for people who experience addiction and/or mental health issues, no referrals necessary. It aims to empower clients to build their own self-determined recovery by assisting them through peer support activities such as sculpting, visual arts, connecting with the environment, and so much more. We are open 10.00am - 4.00pm Monday - Friday.
Contact: Amanda McNoe, Manager | 03 688 9454 | ampss101@gmail.com

A Different Light Theatre Trust

Address: 130 Madras Street, Christchurch
A Different Light Theatre Trust explores the possibilities of performance. This includes innovative performance practice and the possibilities of performance with people categorised as having a disability.
Contact: 03 940 8000

Art4Me - WestREAP

Address: WestREAP, Reap House 72 Tudor Street, Hokitika 7810
Art4Me is an open access community arts programme for adults. The programme runs weekly in Hokitika and Greymouth during term time. Participants are given space, opportunity, tutor support and materials to work on creative projects in the medium of their choice and enjoy the social benefits of working together in a welcoming, safe and supportive environment. The programme also supports engagement with learning and participation in a wide range of community activities, including regular opportunities to exhibit locally, supporting further learning opportunities and partnerships and with other groups and events. Kia hapai ake i te hapori: Lift up our community. For more information
Contact: Cheryl Smeaton or Kate Buckley | 0800 927 327 | ace@westreap.org.nz

Arts Integrated

Address: Northcity Church, 95a Sawyers Arms Rd, Northcote, Christchurch
Arts Integrated has a performing arts programme for young adults, enabling people living with disability to explore and extend their creativity through the performing arts. Classes are held Wednesday and Thursday mornings over four eight-week terms per year. Activities range from creating and exploring dance and music to writing stories, culminating in a theatrical production at the end of terms 2 and 4. Visit the website
Contact: Adam Hayward, General Manager| 021 230 9029 | artsintegrated1@gmail.com

Cantabrainers Choir

Address: Christchurch
Cantabrainers Choir is a choir for people with neurological conditions to improve their voice and communication, health and well-being through singing and socialising. It’s led by a registered music therapist and a registered speech-language therapist. All welcome. See the choir’s Facebook page and website
Contact: Coordinator: cantabrainerschoir@gmail.com

Dance & Arts Therapy NZ

Exchange Christchurch (XCHC)

Address: 376 Wilsons Rd, Waltham, Christchurch
Exchange Christchurch (or XCHC) is a creative hub giving everyone the chance to connect with, explore and share their creative side with a like-minded and supportive community. It offers shared studio spaces for creative individuals who enjoy the social benefits of working together, a public cafe/bar, and a showcase space for creative events and exhibitions. By bringing together people from various backgrounds and creative practices, it fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment, the exchange of ideas and a safe place for people to start their creative journey. It also does work experience with anyone who wants to get experience before looking for work or learn new skills. Learn more on its website, Facebook page, and Instagram.

Contact: Preston Hegel, Exchange Operator | T: 027 828 3757 | E: preston@xchc.co.nz

Handmade Studio

Address: 166 St Asaph Street, City Centre, Christchurch

The Handmade Studio is a co-operative weavery where people with disabilities (co-operative members) are assisted to prefect their skills as proficient weavers of handwoven fabric. Proceeds of the sale of the range of garments and items produced are returned to the members, developing independence and self-esteem in supportive creative community. The studio is open Monday to Friday, 9am – 3.30pm. Visit the Handmade Studio website for more information
Contact: Victoria (Tori) Peden or Toni Parker-Adams 03 3777 042 | 03 377 7042 | handmadestudio@xtra.co.nz

Hohepa Canterbury

Address: 23 Barrington Street, Christchurch
At Hohepa Canterbury, approximately 70 residents and numerous day attendees participate in a wide range of educational, sporting, cultural and community participation activities. It offers art, arts therapy, speech and drama, and singing. Singing is very popular and a choir provides performances for special occasions.
Contact: Mark Unwin | 03) 390 0153 | mark.unwin@hohepacanterbury.com

Inclusive Performance Academy

Address: Hohepa Hall, 23 Barrington Street, Christchurch

The Inclusive Performance Academy is an outcome-focused initiative which promotes connection, creativity, collaboration, confidence and friendship. Based in the beautiful Hohepa Hall, it runs classes, workshops and programmes in a variety of performance arts for young people living with disability. Its focus is firmly on devising, developing and delivering awesome shows to audiences, with regular live theatrical shows, public performances at events and filmed projects for sharing on-line. Anyone into music, dance and drama welcome. Check out its Facebook page
Contact: Fiona McKenzie | 021 314 303

Jolt

Address: 50 Baker St, North New Brighton, Christchurch
Jolt's vision is to celebrate difference and challenge perspectives about dance and disability. It was established in 2001 and offers ongoing dance training and performance opportunities for all ages and abilities. In 2012, Jolt established Move, NZ's first tutor training scheme for disabled people to train as dance teachers, and Jolt Interactive, New Zealand's first performance company creating works for diverse audiences. Visit the Jolt Dance website
Contact: Alex Kerr, Administrator | 03 388 2807 | info@joltdance.co.nz

Ōtautahi Creative Spaces Trust

Address: Room 5, Phillipstown Community Hub, 39 Nursery Road, Phillipstown, Christchurch
This is a Christchurch-wide venture that hosts creative spaces and does collaborative creative projects to strengthen communities and boost wellbeing. Its focus is on inclusion of people who have experience of mental illness and distress, earthquake trauma, and people who live in social isolation. There’s a Māori arts programme Te Ara Toi, and a mentoring programme for artists with experience of mental illness. It works on a project and collaborative basis with groups in the areas where the creative spaces are located: e.g. a photography project, Our Place Phillipstown. Visit its Facebook page and website.

Contact: Kim Morton, Project Manager | 022 064 7963 | kim@otautahicreativespaces.org.nz

Southern Music Therapy and Cantabrainers Choir

Address: 26 Nash Rd, Halswell, Christchurch - or it can come to you in the community
Southern Music Therapy is a team of three registered music therapists providing individual and group music therapy to a range of clients with neurological conditions, including TBI, stroke, alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, as well as individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Visit its website. Cantabrainers Choir is a choir for people with neurological conditions, run by a music therapist and a speech therapist. All welcome: see its Facebook page
Contact: Kimberley Wade, Director | 0211308526 | info@smt.nz

Tangata Atumotu Trust

Tangata Atumotu Trust is the longest standing Pasifika health provider in Christchurch, providing both clinical and social support for the Pasifika community. Art and dance are innately part of the Pasifika cultural tapestry from past to present. Its Island Breeze Social Club and Petani Craft Group both encourage Pasifika women to come together for fellowship and traditional crafting activities. Siva Samoa is a colourful dance and exercise program that gets our elderly Pasifika community up and dancing to familiar songs and moves from the Islands.
Visit its website or Facebook page for more information.

The Hive NZ Ltd

Address: 48 Lunns Road, Christchurch 8024
The Hive is a creative hub of professionals who provide community-based programmes and workshops that promote creativity and offer hope. Visit The Hive Facebook page
Contact: Sharon Reynolds, Director | 027 204 7343 | sharon@thehivenz.org or Geoff Ngataierua, The Shadows Project NZ Youth Facilitator | 027 260 3762 | geoff@thehivenz.org.nz

The White Room Creative Space

Address: 344 Manchester St, Christchurch
The White Room is an inclusive art space that brings disabled and non-disabled artists together as a creative community, united by a shared passion for art. It provides a space to learn new techniques in visual art and opportunities to share ideas through interaction with visiting artists and tutors. It is a space that fosters creativity, skill sharing, new ideas and ways of expression. Visit its Facebook page. and website
Contact: Niki Jimenez, Arts Tutor | 03 382 0350 | niki.jimenez@skillwise.org.nz

Otago

Artsenta

Address: 462 Princes Street, Dunedin
Artsenta is a shared art studio for people within the mental health community. The staff team has a wide variety of skills to share and it also invites local artists/tutors to provide workshops. Materials, equipment and tuition for a number of creative activities are provided. Artsenta also has a well-equipped music room with recording facilities. There is no charge to come to Artsenta and it caters for people who like to work in all sorts of ways - from individual work to group activities. Visit the Artsenta website.
Contact: Paul Smith, Director | 03 477 9566 | info@artsenta.org

Art Space

Address: Level 2, King Edward Court, Stuart Street, Dunedin
This is a space for artists with intellectual disabilities to develop their artistic skills in painting, pottery, mask-making, mosaics, sculpture and wearable arts. Funded by IDEA Services, Art Space provides a safe, supportive environment for participants. It holds an annual exhibition, and community participation and involvement is encouraged.
Contact: Anna Henderson, Vocational Manager, IDEA Services | 03 466 3850 | anna.henderson@idea.org.nz

Studio2/Margaret Freeman Gallery

Address: 147 Hillside Rd, Dunedin
Studio 2/Margaret Freeman Gallery is an arm of a larger organisation, Connections Education and Development Trust, which provides a range of services for disabled people. Studio2/Margaret Freeman Gallery is an art studio and exhibition space for disabled artists. Activities include writing, painting, drawing and sculpture. One of its aims is to encourage its artists to work independently and help them promote their work to the wider community.
Contact: Kay Murray, Programme Manager; Benton Glassey, Programme Facilitator | 03 474 5949 | artstudio@xtra.co.nz

Southland

C. S. Art

Address: 100 Esk Street, Invercargill
C. S. Art caters for people with intellectual or physical disability or mild mental illness. It runs up to six studio sessions a week, attended by 48 artists focused on the visual arts. It also presents at least one exhibition a year at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery.
Contact: Michelle Dawson, co-founder and tutor | 027 465 7337 | c.s.art@outlook.com

Mental Health Day Activity Centres

Addresses: Rata House, 59 MacMaster Street, Invercargill | 2onQ, 70 and 74 Kew Rd, Invercargill | Welcome In, 37 Hokonui Drive, Gore
There are three Mental Health Day Activity Centres in Southland. It provides an activity-based rehabilitation service with flexible and varied programmes of activities, including the arts. It aims to provide a safe environment for mutual support and information exchange, and to help people overcome social isolation.
Contact: Joe Oxley, Team Manager | 03 214 5786 (ext. 48240 | 027 491 2232 | joseph.oxley@southerndhb.govt.nz