About the Creative Spaces Network

From left: Circability in Auckland, Ōtautahi Creative Spaces in Christchurch, and MIX/Te Whare Toi in Wainuiomata

The creative spaces that are part of the Arts Access Aotearoa network are inclusive and dynamic places where people who experience barriers to participation such as lack of access and stigma can explore their creativity and their art practice. 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); are cultural isolation.

Creative spaces provide resources and assistance in ways that encourage self-expression, empowerment, and self-development through making art or participating in artistic activities. They offer a range of artforms, including visual art, sculpture, ceramics, theatre, dance, circus, music, film and creative writing. Some encourage an informal, drop-in approach while others prefer a structured approach, with programmes and workshops. Read more about these approaches

There are more than 80 creative spaces in communities throughout Aotearoa, Some were established in the 1980s, others more recently. Read more about the history of creative spaces 

To find out more about creative spaces and the Creative Spaces Network, email us at csn@artsaccess.org.nz.

Thank you to Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, which has provided funding over three years to support the Professional Development Programme for the Arts Access Aotearoa Creative Spaces Network.