Arts Blog

Three creative space leaders their thoughts about good leadership and what it means to them. Keep Reading

The Shifting the Stream forum conversation quickly moved beyond funding to something much bigger, blogs Fiona Sharp Keep Reading

Emily Preston of Ember Innovations advocates for shifting systems to better support the mental health and wellbeing impact of the arts. Keep Reading

The White Room artists presenting at the Shifting the Stream forum show the power of artists telling their own stories, blogs Simon Grey. Keep Reading

Lachlan Oakes and Joel Forman are dance teachers with Ōtautahi-based inclusive dance company Jolt Dance. In November last year they travelled to South Korea for a residency with Korean inclusive dance company Light Sound Friends. Keep Reading

I first attended Toi Ora in Auckland in 2010, soon after I became blind. My background at that time was in fine art. I loved painting, drawing, photography and printmaking. So becoming blind was devastating. I was very unsure of how I could channel my creativity as I felt that visual art was my main strength. Keep Reading

There’s significant evidence here in Aotearoa and internationally showing the difference that participating in arts and culture makes to health and wellbeing. This applies across individual, community and societal levels and includes prevention, health promotion, treatment and management. Keep Reading

Creativity is part of being human. As children, we create freely. The cardboard box becomes a house, a boat, a secret hiding space. We create for the joy of it, and we give things a go with no expectations. Somewhere along the way, that changes, self-criticism sets in, and creativity becomes something reserved for artists. Toi Ora provides... Keep Reading

Creativity heals and empowers. It brings joy, connection and a sense of achievement. Over the four years I’ve been working at Magenta Creative Space in Nelson, I’ve watched people arrive broken and become whole. Keep Reading

I was recently asked to share a few thoughts about the arts sector, especially in relation to disability and mental health. Having worked in a creative space for more than 20 years, I thought it would be easy. Yet, the more I thought about it, the more muddled my thoughts became. There is so much to say. Keep Reading

I remember clearly the first day I arrived at Magenta Creative Space: the warm and welcoming smiles, the non-judgemental casual vibe of the place, and the endless possibilities to create, with all kinds of art supplies provided. Keep Reading

At our Hamilton-based creative space, Arts for Health, we've discovered a simple truth. The most valuable currency isn't funding or equipment: it's authentic human connection. Keep Reading

You wouldn't believe some of the things I've seen and heard in my job as the director of Kākano, essentially an art school in West Auckland for rangatahi who don't fit anywhere else. Things that would break your heart. Keep Reading

Recognising the economic and social contribution of the arts, the government has drafted Amplify, a creative and cultural investment strategy for Aotearoa New Zealand. It wants our feedback by Sunday 15 December. Keep Reading

Fiona Sharp, our Creative Spaces Projects Coordinator | Kairuruku a toi Kaupapa, has been working behind the scenes, organising Ngā Wāhi Auaha Creative Spaces Conference 2024 to ensure it will be a fantastic event. Keep Reading