Creative Spaces NetworkCreative 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. This national directory is listed alphabetically. There are also regional directories, where you can also find creative spaces in your region.
Please email us to update your entry, include your creative space in this directory, or make enquiries about the Creative Spaces Network.
3rd Act
Address: 85 Totara Road, Miramar, Wellington
Third Act is a unique creative space that supports the cognitive, social and emotional wellbeing of people in their third age, including those living with dementia. We provide access to drama-based creative programmes where participants find their voice, their story and develop the skills to share both. We are not a bricks and mortar creative space, we do not ask people to come to us. Instead our programmes are delivered to people within their own neighborhoods, using existing community spaces that are familiar and accessible. Our programmes are led by theatre practitioners trained by Third Act in use of applied improvisation, devised theatre and storytelling. Visit 3rd Acts social media page.
Contact: Nicola Pauling, Director | 021 404 615 | 3rdactnz@gmail.com
Art-East
Address: 116 Shortland Street, Aranui, Christchurch
A place for creative connection … Art-East was set up to provide a safe place of support for people who have or are struggling with a range of issues, including alcohol or drug, mental health, social stigma and physical disabilities. Arts-based activities are run within group settings and one-to-one programmes. It connects members with established artists and has regular outings in the Christchurch art community. Visit Facebook and its website.
Contact: Lis Rate-Smith, Art-East Co-ordinator | 027 436 9922 | lis@drugarm.co.nz
Art for All Trust
Address: Sommerville Special School, 80A Tripoli Road, Panmure, Auckland
Art for All provides art tuition, quality materials, exhibition opportunities and social connection for artists with intellectual disabilities and/or mental health issues. Artists are enabled to feel valued, included, and productive members of society through learning art processes, creating artworks, exhibiting work, and generating income through the sale of their work.
Contact: Lynda Scott | 021 993358 | lynda.afa@gmail.com
Art for Life Trust
Address: 190 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch
Since 2014, Art for Life Trust has provided drawing and painting tuition to adults living with intellectual or neurological disability and/or neurodiversity. Morning and afternoon sessions are offered four days a week at their central Christchurch studio. The focus is on developing skills and confidence, expressing ideas and feelings through art, and social connection. The Art for Life annual exhibition held in November is a highlight, where all artists are invited to sell their work in the community. Visit their website | Facebook
Contact: Anh Que Chu | anh@artforlife.nz | 027 296 2954
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 are encouraged.
Contact: Jade Bray, IDEA Services | 03 466 3850 | Jade.Bray@idea.org.nz
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.
Contact: Holly McHugh | 03 755 8700 | ace@westreap.org.nz
Artists in the Making
Address: 150 Pound Street, Whitianga, Coromandel 3506
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: Fee Paine, Operations Co-ordinator | 07 866 8358 | operations@cilt.org.nz
Artmakers
Address: Norris / Ward Park Arts Centre, 2 Seddon Road, Hamilton, 3240
Artmakers is a community arts initiative offering a whole range of workshops. 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. Visit the Artmakers website.
Contact: Sylvie Bolstad | 07 839 4561 | 021 991 576 | info@artmakers.co.nz
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
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. Visit Arts For Health website.
Contact: Cass Hendry | 07 838 2271 | office@artsforhealth.co.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 disabilities 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
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
Breathing Space
Address: various locations around Auckland
Breathing Space 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 their 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 Breathing Space website
Contact: Asha Munn, Director | asha.munn@outlook.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
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 of 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 | thomas@circability.org
Community Art Works
Address: 81 Achilles Ave, Nelson
Community Art Works 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
Connect the Dots
Address: various locations 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 programme connects and engages older people, and people living with dementia, with art and cultural opportunities in Auckland. Connect the Dots’ trained and passionate arts educators deliver facilitated art tours and artmaking workshops at local arts venues. The discussions and supported artmaking 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 Inclusion
Address: 41 Princes Street, Hawera 4610
Creative Inclusion offers regular creative workshops and classes for adults with disabilities and specific learning needs, at South Taranaki Creative Space in Hawera. The Thursday programme includes collage, painting, 3D, printmaking and screen printing. Visit the South Taranaki Creative Space Facebook page
Contact: Sue Baker | suejb12009@hotmail.com
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
Creative Kids Trust
Address: St Ninnian's Hall, 169 Flaxmill Rd, Blenheim
Creative Kids Trust uses music, movement and art to connect with people; strengthen the community; and provide a safe place for vulnerable children to grow and flourish. It believes its passion in the arts can help bring communities together. Visit the Creative Kids Trust website.
Contact: Liz McKay | liz@creativekids.org.nz
Creative Sounds Society (The Stomach)
Address: 84 Lombard St Palmerston North 4410
Creative Sounds are dedicated to the encouragement of creative musical, artistic, and performance activities. They run an all-ages venue, recording studio and rehearsal spaces known as The Stomach. Accessibility and affordability are key goals of Creative Sounds Society. They aim to ensure that all people are able to access music, regardless of their ability or circumstances. Visit the website.
Contact: Abi Symes | 06 359 0120 | admin@creativesounds.org.nz
Crescendo
Address: 8-14 Henderson Valley Rd, Henderson, Auckland
Crescendo works alongside young people between the ages of 15 to 24 years old, providing an environment where young people can express themselves creatively and are supported to overcome barriers to success. It delivers mentoring programmes in the arts where young people get to engage directly and connect with people working in the creative industries. Visit Crescendo Facebook page. Visit the Crescendo website
Contact: 021 076 1182 | info@crescendo.org.nz
C.S. Art
Address: 100 Esk Street, Invercargill
C. S. Art caters for people with an intellectual or physical disability or mild mental illness. It runs up to six studio sessions a week, attended by 40 artists focused on the visual arts. It presents at least one exhibition a year at the Southland Institute of Technology's Raw Gallery. It also exhibits at a local café called the Copper Kettle. Visit its Facebook page
Contact: Michelle Dawson, co-founder and tutor | 027 465 7337 | c.s.art@outlook.com
Cultural Conversations
Address: Shop 12, Morrison Square, Nelson 7010
Cultural Conversations is a community-based arts hub that facilitates opportunities for people from Nelson’s former refugee and migrant communities to run programmes, workshops, and events. The primary outcome of these sessions is to enhance knowledge, awareness, and appreciation for the cultural diversity that makes up the Nelson region as well as wider Aotearoa New Zealand. Visit Cultural Conversations website | Facebook | Instagram
Contact: Tanya Nock | tanya@culturalconversations.co.nz
Estuary Arts Centre
Address: 214B Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa, Auckland
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 workspace 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 10am and 3pm, and phone for variable weekend days also available. Visit its Facebook page.
Contact: whanganuics@gmail.com
Fareham Creative Space
Address: 80 Underhill Road, Paetumokai, Featherston
Fareham Creative Space promotes wellbeing and whakawhanangatanga through creativity and community by providing access to artmaking, creative expression, visual art, wearable art and dance. The programme holds open studio days, workshops, events and is responsive to both the participants as well as the needs of the wider community.
Contact: Dave Porteous | chair@farehamcreativespace.nz
Glass Ceiling Arts Collective
Address: various venues across Auckland
Glass Ceiling Arts Collective is a group of creative people that make art that breaks the glass ceiling, creating access to meaningful arts experiences for all people. Their mission is to create equal access to the arts for all; especially for those from marginalised communities enabling everyone to participate in the arts at both a community and professional level. They offer programmes in inclusive musical theatre, hip hop and exploring multi-sensory theatre. Visit their website and their Facebook page for more details.
Contact: Mike Eaglesome | glassceilingartscollective@gmail.com
Handmade Studio
Address: 14b Leslie Hills Drive, Riccarton 8011
The Handmade Studio is a co-operative weavery where people with disabilities (co-operative members) are assisted to perfect 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 a 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 03 341 0030 | handmadestudio@xtra.co.nz
Hobson Street Theatre Company
Address: 140 Hobson St, Auckland Central
Hobson Street Theatre Company (HSTC) is an award-winning theatre company, run in collaboration with the Auckland City Mission. The kaupapa of HSTC is "no sob stories" and company members work collectively to create shows that highlight the skills and abilities of all involved and demonstrate that "homeless don't mean hopeless".
Contact: Amanda Joe | Hobson Street Theatre whanau | hstc@flock.nz
Home Ground
Address: PO Box 14132, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6241
Home Ground is a multi-disciplinary community arts initiative based in the Wellington region, working with women who have experience of the justice system (Prison and community-based sentences). They provide access to high-quality artists and arts practice, improve creative delivery in challenging spaces and normalise participation in arts activities in public, and at home. Visit the website.
Contact Jacqui Moyes | homeground.poneke@gmail.com
Inclusive Performance Academy
Address: Hohepa Hall, 23 Barrington Street, Christchurch
The Inclusive Performance Academy is a creative space that promotes connection, creativity, collaboration, confidence and friendship. Its weekly classes (Tuesdays and Thursdays) explore a variety of performance arts for young disabled people. Its focus is on devising, developing and delivering shows to audiences, including regular live theatrical shows, public performances at events and filmed projects for sharing online. Anyone into music, dance and drama is welcome.
Contact: Fiona McKenzie | 021 314 303 | inclusiveperformanceacademy@gmail.com
Interacting
Address: various locations around Auckland
Interacting is a disability arts theatre company. It runs weekly community classes in drama, filmmaking and hip hop at four venues in Auckland throughout term time. It is responsible for the disability arts festival InterACT, held every October at Corbans Estate Arts Centre in Henderson. Groups devise and release original pieces that are performed each year at the InterACT festival. Interacting also formed the Acting 2 Act (A2A) advocacy group, which visits schools, groups and organisations across Auckland to teach the community their rights. Visit the Interacting website and Interacting Facebook page.
Contact: Sabrina Ou | 021 188 9460 | interactingnz@gmail.com
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
Kāhui Tū Kaha
Address: various locations around Auckland
The Kupenga Ora programme includes daily groups for adults who have experienced mental illness and are either self-referred or referred by Auckland DHB or general practitioners. The programme focuses on health and wellbeing, arts and pre-employment pathways. Visit the Kāhui Tū Kaha website
Contact: Marion Gordon-Flower, Therapeutic Arts Specialist | Marion.Flower@kahuitukaha.co.nz
Kākano Youth Arts Collective
Address: Corbans Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mt Lebanon Lane, Henderson, Auckland 0612
Led by Mandy Patmore, Kākano Youth Arts Collective is a group of artistically talented West Auckland youth. Established in 2013, Kākano consists of young people typically between the ages of 12 to 20 years old, who have an opportunity to develop a varied set of visual arts skills in a safe and supportive environment. Visit the Kākano Youth Arts Collective website
Contact: Mandy Patmore | director@kakanoyoutharts.org
Kāpiti Art Studio
Address: 6 Tongariro Street, Paraparaumu, Kapiti Coast
Art Studio is a space where people in Kāpiti who are disabled 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@wise.net.nz
Linwood Community Arts Centre
Address: 388 Worcester St, Linwood, Christchurch
The Linwood Community Arts Centre, a project of Te Whare Roimata Trust, provides a varied, affordable, arts-related programme to people from the least advantaged eastern inner-city neighbourhoods of Christchurch, enabling access to art-making and the creative arts. The building of community via inclusion, connectedness, individual- and community wellbeing lies at the heart of their work. Follow them on Facebook and visit their website.
Contact: Dr Liz Boldt - arts.liz@tewhare.org
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 Monday to Friday. Visit their Facebook page and website
Contact: Kay Van Dyk | 021 100 5899 | 03 545 8498 | magentatrustnlsn@gmail.com
Many Hats Theatre Co.
Address: 344 Manchester St, Christchurch
Many Hats was established in 2013 and its mission is to provide access for people with disabilities and high needs to have opportunities for creative expression through the creation and presentation of drama performances. It has its own YouTube channel with material that is created, written, and performed by the Many Hats actors. Many Hats YouTube
Contact: Cassie White - manyhatstheatre@skillwise.org.nz
Māpura Studios
Address: Fowlds Park, Rocky Nook Avenue, St Lukes, Auckland 1022
Māpura Studios provides person-centred visual art and art therapy programmes for adults, teenagers and children of all abilities, with special provisions 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: : Natalie Macaulay, Director | 09 845 5361 | info@mapurastudios.org.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: Rachel Silver, Programme Manager | rachel.silver@mix.org.nz | 04 569 3162
Mosaic
Address: 429a Gloucester Street, Taradale, Napier
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 Mosaic website.
Contact: Wikitoria Turner | Studio Coordinator | wikitoria.turner@psec.org.nz | 06 844 4636
Mt Albert Community Club - Ōwairaka Community Club
Address: 831 New North Road, Mt Albert, Auckland 1025
The Ōwairaka Community Club (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 Ōwairaka Community Club's website.
Contact: Karen Mann, Manager | 027 591 6978 | mtalbertclub@gmail.com
Ngā Rangatahi Toa Creative Arts Initiative Trust
Address: 1 Ponsonby Road Grey Lynn
Established in 2012, Ngā Rangatahi Toa offers creative youth development programmes through workshops and wānanga learning, specifically tailored for rangatahi Māori aged 13 to 18 years. We provide scaffolded, high-calibre creative programmes with some of Aotearoa's finest creatives and youth practitioners, enabling rangatahi to navigate life and wellbeing during crucial developmental stages.
Our flagship devised theatre programme, Manawa Ora, exemplifies the collaboration between New Zealand's most talented makers of toi Māori, dance, theatre, and visual arts, working alongside a group of young individuals. The outcome is a stage production that stands apart from any other. Ngā Rangatahi Toa Creative Arts Facebook page. Visit Ngā Rangatahi Toa Creative Arts website.
Contact: Huia O'Sullivan, Executive Director | 021 169 6973 | info@ngarangatahitoa.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. It works with groups in the areas where the creative spaces are located. Visit its Facebook page and website.
Contact: Kim Morton, Project Manager | 022 064 7963 | kim@otautahicreativespaces.org.nz
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. Visit the Pablos website.
Contact: Anastasija Bubanja, Manager | 04 382 8885 | manager@pablosart.org.nz
Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre
Address: 5 Carlton Gore Road, Grafton, Auckland 1023
RMTC offers centre and community-based music therapy services in Auckland, the Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay and Northland. Music therapy is the planned use of music to assist in the healing and growth of people with emotional, intellectual, physical or social challenges. Music therapy at Raukatauri is delivered by our registered music therapists via a clinical practice rooted in the humanistic model of music therapy, which recognises each individual’s uniqueness and worth. It's offered in individual, pair or group formats. Visit the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre website.
Contact: Rachel Farrell, General Manager | 09 360 0889 | info@rmtc.org.nz
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, Hawke's Bay and Whangarei. Its team of music therapists provides individual, pair and group music therapy to clients with a range of disabilities. 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: Ella Polczyk, Hawke's Bay Regional manager | 06 870 3990 | ellapolczyk@rmtc.org.nz
Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre Whangārei
Address: 70 Maunu Road, The Avenues, Whangārei
RMTC offers centre and community-based music therapy services in Auckland, the Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay and Northland. Music therapy is the planned use of music to assist in the healing and growth of people with emotional, intellectual, physical or social challenges. Music therapy at Raukatauri is delivered by our Registered Music Therapists via a clinical practice rooted in the humanistic model of music therapy which recognizes each individual’s uniqueness and worth. Offered in individual, pair or group formats. Visit the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre website.
Contact: Emily Wills, Northland’s Regional Centre Manager | 0272 805 222 | EmilyWills@rmtc.org.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
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 its website and the Sing Up Rodney Facebook page
Contact: Alison Talmage | 027 464 2465 | SingUpRodney@gmail.com
South Taranaki Creative Space
Address: 41 Princes Street, Hawera 4610
This is an inclusive community-focused creative space offering kids art and adults art classes. It runs holiday programmes and workshops. Visit the South Taranaki Creative Space Facebook page
Contact: southtaranakicreativespace@gmail.com
Story Club
Address: Various locations, Auckland
Established in 2017, the kaupapa of Story Club is connecting community through sharing and celebrating diverse cultures by providing access to art-making activities and creating community projects which raise awareness of minority groups’ cultures and life experiences.
All Story Club activities are free and projects are developed through a process of co-creation - participants are collaborators rather than clients.
Contact: Ann Poulsen | aki.poulsen@gmail.com
Studio2 and Margaret Freeman Gallery
Address: 147 Hillside Rd, Dunedin
Studio2 and the Margaret Freeman Gallery is a small art studio in South Dunedin for people with disabilities. It provides a relaxed space where people can explore their creativity through a variety of processes and mediums. Activities include free-form visual art creation, music and audio play, role-playing games with problem solving and conflict resolution, puppet creation and story building, and digital games and media. It's open Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm.
Contact: Paul Milner, Programme Facilitator | 03 455 5222 | artstudio@xtra.co.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. Visit the website.
Contact: Rebecca Bond, Manager | 04 299 6981 | info@tearakorowai.org.nz
Te Kāhui Creative Writing
Te Kāhui Creative Writing is a by-rangatahi-for-rangatahi kaupapa that equips young people in prisons and communities across the motu with equitable and accessible skills, space and support to realise their creative voice. Over the past five years, Te Kāhui has grown to provide a mix of in-person and/or remote art programming, including poetry, rap and short story writing. All Te Kāhui creative programmes are designed with the understanding that rangatahi story sovereignty, narrative agency and empowerment are fundamental to self-reflection, wellbeing and mana motuhake. Visit Te Kāhui Creative Writing website.
Contact: tekaahui@youtharts.co.nz
Te Karanga Charitable Trust
Address: various locations around Auckland
Te Karanga Charitable Trust works in an educational capacity in the areas of youth mentoring to support and develop community-based projects. The trust has been facilitating youth development programmes since 2006. Working with youth at risk and young adults, it facilitates programmes in a range of mediums such as discussion groups, vocational education, one on one and group mentoring, public speaking, broadcasting, multimedia, music, arts, theatre and film. Visit Te Karanga Charitable Trust website
Contact: 021 067 4265 | info@tekarangatrust.co.nz
Te Pu o Te Wheke Community Gallery and Arts Trust
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. Visit Te Pu o Te Wheke Facebook page. Visit Te Pu o Te Wheke website.
Contact: Sasha Wilson, Gallery Manager | E: cortinautegirl@gmail.com
The Creative Souls Project
Address: 1 Paynes Lane, Onehunga, Auckland 1061
The Creative Souls Project uses music, art and performing arts to develop social, emotional and communication skills in children and young people. It is based in Avondale, Auckland, and works to make the arts accessible and affordable. Visit The Creative Souls Project Facebook
Contact: hello@thecreativesoulsproject.co.nz
The Shed Creative Space
Address: 20 Tongariro St, Paraparaumu
The Shed Creative Space was set up in 2021 as it became apparent that creativity and the arts are a highly effective tool to address people's rising collective anxiety and a way to bring them together in communities. It offers a wide variety of tuition and materials where everyone is welcomed in a supportive environment. It is open 9am to 3pm every week day, and offers sessions in pottery, drama, visual art, music, dance and creative woodwork. Visit the website.
Contact: Denis Wood, Manager | 04 297 2713 | denis@shedproject.co.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: Simon Gray, Arts Tutor | 03 382 0350 | simon.gray@skillwise.org.nz
Toi Ako Te Kauwhata
Address: 1 Waerenga Rd, Te Kauwhata
Toi Ako is an arts-based creative space that brings the community together through creativity for social, artistic and wellbeing outcomes. Governed by the Te Kauwhata Community House, it offers an extension of the other health and social services provided by the Community House and places the arts firmly at the centre.It offers a range of classes, workshops and outreach programmes for people of all ages and abilities.
Contact: Lauren Hughes, Manager | 021 2225682 | Toi Ako Te Kauwhata Website | artstekauwhata@gmail.com | Toi Ako Te Kauwhata Facebook
Toi Ora Live Art Trust
Address: 6 Putiki Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021
Enhancing wellbeing through creativity offers a nurturing and inclusive space for individuals navigating mental distress. With more than 20 complementary classes spanning visual and performing arts, participants are invited to engage deeply in the creative journey, using artistic expression as a conduit for connection. Original artworks are showcased in our gallery and available for purchase. Join our supportive community and embark on a journey towards improved wellbeing. Visit the Toi Ora Facebook page. Visit the Toi Ora website.
Contact: Susanne Ritzenhoff, Director | 09 360 4171 | info@toiora.org.nz
Touch Compass
Address: Classroom 2, The Wilson Centre, 1 St Leonard's Road, Hauraki, Auckland 0622
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: 022 530 3261 | info@touchcompass.org.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: Terry Heath, Activities Coordinator | 07 578 6934 | terry@turningpoint.org.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: Andrew Mitchell, Kaiwhakahaere / General Manager | 04 499 1030 | andrew@vincentsart.org
Wellington Inclusive Dance
Address: Te Whaea, 11 Hutchinson St, Newtown, Wellington
Wellington Inclusive 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 $105 waged, $70 unwaged. Visit the website.
Contact: Sumara Fraser, Coordinator/Tutor | 021 050 1565 | widancenz@gmail.com
Youth Arts New Zealand
Youth Arts New Zealand (YANZ) is a youth-led social enterprise generating equitable opportunities for rangatahi/young people to explore creativity, both as a career and as a means of self-expression. Our vision is for an Aotearoa where every young New Zealander knows the worth of their creative identity. We facilitate kaupapa such as the Event Pathways Programme, and Wayfind Creative for Rangatahi. Both focus on equipping young artists with the skills they need to thrive in their creative journeys. Visit the YANZ Facebook page. Visit the YANZ website.
