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Brilliant art. Bold voices. A warm welcome. Incredible opportunities.
We are creative community of people who have experienced mental distress and trauma.
We have working studios where people can make art, develop their own distinct style, and meet other artists.
The studios are a hive of activity, where everyone is making art, encouraging eachother, and sharing knowledge. The atmosphere is focussed, friendly, welcoming, warm and supportive. With like-minded people working together, the spaces are often quiet and calm, and sometimes lively and fun.
Who can join?
People who have experience of mental distress, who are ready to make a commitment to exploring their creative world and developing their art-making. This means participating regularly, with an intention of taking part long term (for at least six months). We understand that there’ll be times when people need to take a break though.
We offer access to people who need it most – people who experience isolation and disadvantage, who need a space that’s tailored for people with mental distress and trauma. Through our relationships with mental health services we make sure Māori, Pacific people, and people from the Muslim and Rainbow communities can take part.
If you have experience of mental distress, and you like the look of what we offer please get in touch. We’ll get back to you to talk about what’s available and the best fit for your needs.
Our programmes aim to reach people who need it most. They’re tailored for people with mental distress – groups are small and intimate, and we go the extra mile to make sure people feel safe. Getting creative alongside people with shared experience is both comforting and empowering – it’s about being playful, experimenting, having fun, and taking risks. We’ll be right beside you.
Make art in our studios in the company of others. Art materials and resources are supplied; you can also bring your own. For artists who can work independently and contribute to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The studios can be calm and quiet, and sometimes lively and fun. We cater for individual needs and support you to develop your artmaking.
For Māori to connect and create together – there’s lots of whakawhānaungatanga, stories and laughter. We explore Te Ao Māori and Ngā Toi Māori and learn about Māori artists. You can do your own thing, or join in group projects.
For people who want to explore galleries, museums and artists' studios. We go together as a group, and learn about artists and their work through talks, guided tours and sharing our own ideas.
For rangatahi aged 18-26 who are keen to explore their creative world, grow in confidence and meet other artists. Group projects and activities are offered or you can choose to do your own thing. There's opportunities to try screen printing, painting, printmaking, graffiti art, sculpture and pottery.
For people who already have experience printmaking, and are eager to develop their practice in the company of other enthusiasts.
For people who are unable to come into the studios. We offer suitcases stocked with art materials and resources so you can continue creating at home.
For Māori to connect and create together – there’s lots of whakawhānaungatanga, stories and laughter. We explore Te Ao Māori and Ngā Toi Māori and learn about Māori artists. You can do your own thing, or join in group projects. A whānau group run alongside Kakakura Health.
For writers to chat, write and share ideas. It’s a place to expand your writing through prompts or work on your own projects, with the option of feedback from the facilitator. The sessions are offered in the studio and online (Zoom).
For people who are ready to take things to the next level. We provide mentoring and support to build professional practice, including help with proposals, presenting and pricing work, and exhibitions.
If you have experience of mental distress, you’re eager to develop your creativity and like the look of what we offer, get in touch today and we’ll get back to you soon to talk about what’s available and the best fit for your needs.