A one minute video made by filmmaker Danny Amua for the Creative Spaces Network promotes the importance of creative spaces for artists who attend and the communities they belong to.

A key message is "We are artists", which is repeated throughout the video and highlights how vital the arts are to the individuals and communities these spaces serve.

The Creative Spaces Network has a membership of 65 creative spaces, located throughout Aotearoa. These spaces are dedicated to increasing access, fostering self-expression and personal growth through the arts. Some spaces are part of community daycare programmes, hospitals or training centres but most are community-based and operate as independent trusts.

Arts Access Aotearoa works with the Creative Spaces Network to strengthen and advocate for each organisation. This includes professional development, funding advice, and relationship-building across the sector and in the wider community.

These creative spaces support people who experience barriers to participation so they can create 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; or experience of mental distress, age related-vulnerability (senior citizens or vulnerable youth) or cultural isolation.

These spaces offer both structured programmes and informal drop-in sessions, creating opportunities for artistic exploration, connection and community engagement. They employ artists and art tutors to run projects, give tuition and help guide participants in following their artistic aspirations. Data gathered over the previous three years show that every year, 1500 professionals are employed by these spaces and an estimated 40,000 people are supported to participate in arts activities.

Creative spaces are recognised as part of the social service scene in Aotearoa, and provide services that improve the health and wellbeing of their participants. The term “arts, health and wellbeing” recognises the value of the arts within a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.