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.

Your support doesn’t just keep the studio open; it keeps hope alive. In a world where mental health services are stretched, Magenta Creative Space is irreplaceable. It’s a place where everyone belongs, creativity flows and love is always present. 

In light of the difficult funding environment this year, we’ve developed a funding campaign to reach out to the community.

One of the elements of the campaign is a letter we have sent to funding agencies, friends, families and the wider community about the impact of Magenta and how your donation, whatever the size, can make a difference.

Below is the letter we sent. We’ve had an amazing response, and have been buoyed by the feedback and support.

Keep the LOVE flowing  at Magenta Creative Space

Pamala hadn’t spoken to anyone in weeks. Living with bipolar disorder, she retreated into her flat, curtains drawn, phone turned off. A neighbour mentioned Magenta Creative Space, Nelson’s only free, walk-in arts centre for people facing mental health challenges. 
 
Eight months later, Pamala is a regular at the studio. She enjoys friendships and conversations, and calls Magenta “the place that saved my life”. 
 
This is why Magenta exists. And this is why we need your help. 

The crisis we're facing 

After 25 years of transforming lives through art, Magenta Creative Space is at a crossroads. Our three-year CARE funding from Ministry of Culture and Heritage has ended, leaving us with a $50,000 annual shortfall. 
 
Without immediate support, we cannot keep our six-day-a-week service open for the 160+ artists who rely on us for connection, purpose and hope. 

The impact of your support 

Every day in our bright, welcoming studio, extraordinary things happen: 

• Colin, once struggling with depression and alcoholism, now writes poetry, paints, and dreams of hosting a solo show; he’s even given up smoking. 
• Mary, isolated after a schizophrenia diagnosis, found her voice and lasting friendships.  
• Ashley, a teenager with autism and anxiety, discovered confidence and now attends sessions independently, quietly singing as she creates. 

We don’t just prevent hospitalisations or provide art supplies. We restore self-worth, community and hope. 

Why your support matters now 

2025 has been the most challenging funding year in Magenta’s history. Government arts and mental health funding has been cut, traditional grants are harder to secure, and yet demand has never been higher. We’ve grown from 40 artists three years ago to more than 160 today.

Without your help, we face reducing services. 

How you can keep the LOVE flowing 

Every dollar you give supports someone’s journey from isolation to hope: 

• $25 Community Brightener: Keeps the studio running for a whole day. 
• $100 Workshop Champion: Provides art supplies for 10 people for an entire month. 
• $300 Mentoring Sponsor: Supports our tutors for a week. 
• $1,250 Creative Community Champion: Sponsors one person for a year at Magenta. 

A personal invitation 

I’m Maria Anderson, and I’ve seen firsthand how creativity heals. I’ve watched people arrive broken and leave whole. Your support doesn’t just keep the studio open; it keeps hope alive.

In a world where mental health services are stretched, Magenta Creative Space is irreplaceable: a place where everyone belongs, creativity flows, and LOVE is always present.

Will you help us keep the LOVE flowing? 

Donate today: 
Online: www.magentacreativespace.co.nz/donation 
Bank transfer: 03-1354-0639009-00 
Mail: Magenta Creative Space, 15 Selwyn Place, Nelson 7010 

Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. Your generosity ensures that people like Pamala, Colin, Mary and Ashley continue to have a place where they can heal, create and belong. 
 
With gratitude 
Maria Anderson 
Magenta Creative Space Charitable Trust 
 
P.S. Come visit us to see the magic happening firsthand; we’d love to welcome you.