We don’t teach art – we support people to follow their own creative instincts and ideas.  They choose what they work on, and the pace they go at – there’s no deadlines, or pressure.

Our artworkers are experienced artists, who work closely to support people to develop their artmaking. Their role is to open up a world of possibilities for artists, whether that is new materials, advice about technique, sharing an artist’s work for inspiration, or an opportunity outside our studios. Together we organise exhibitions and collaborations.  Visits to galleries and museums offer opportunities to learn  about artists and their practice, and to share our own ideas.  

Our focus is on art-making. Where people are experiencing distress or need help with other things in their lives, we connect them up with outside support.

We’re not art therapists. While we know that making art is therapeutic, in our experience the power of creativity comes from a sense of exploration, experimentation and play, rather than the process of art therapy.

Our creative approach draws on Te Whare Tapa Whā and the Circle of Courage. It is also based on extensive international and home-grown evidence about art practice that’s designed to improve wellbeing.