She loves creating space for artists so they can experiment and have fun without the pressure of making their art look good. Ana combines working as an artworker with freelance graphic design.  

She knows the benefits of a tidy studio space and ensures our spaces are always welcoming so our artists can focus on getting creative. Catherine’s own art practice is multi-disciplinary with a strong focus currently on printmaking. 

Henni brokers opportunities for our artists to engage within the Christchurch art scene. Outside of work, Henni loves getting into the outdoors and making pottery.

Taking the lead on partnership programmes Unleashed and Te Korimako, Joe comes up with innovative projects that stretch the artists and result in a sense of pride as well as offering a safe environment for people to socialise, collaborate and essentially explore creativity together.

A strong advocate in the arts and health scene for why creativity matters, Kim loves disrupting conventional thinking about mental health. Outside of work she can be found on islands, in op shops, in her wild garden and talking art.

His own background spans both fine arts and social work, having now worked in the social work field for five years. Tom loves how creativity pushes us to make brave choices and advocates how a strong sense of creativity can help us become more confident in other areas of our lives.

She relishes tasks others may avoid and finds great satisfaction when paperwork is organised. Paola grew up in Italy, where her fascination for creativity came to play. Outside of work, Paola loves being in nature, walking her dog and reading.

As well as this, Rebecca leads the digital coaching. Rebecca’s own art practice is wide ranging from ink to digital art. Her art springs forth with humour and intrigue.

 Ko wai au?  Kia hononga mātou ko tōku whānau ki Te Tairawhiti, ki a Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau a Apanui, me Taranaki.  Ko Jess Rauora Collins tōku ingoa.  

 Jess is an advocate, activist and artist, working to uplift the future generations and address inequality.  Jess sees Ngā Toi Māori as a form of healing – through traditional art forms, which have survived the impact of colonisation, and contemporary art forms, we are connected to tupuna. ‘Let’s not let colonisation continue to suppress our voices!’ 

 Be your ancestors’ wildest dreams.  

Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui.

Vicci loves to try new media, enjoys making a mess (and cleaning it up) and gets really excited by the works created in the groups she supports as an artworker.

For the past few years, she has spent time in creative spaces similar to Ōtautahi Creative Spaces, where her love for working alongside artists has grown. Gabrielle is passionate about witnessing artists’ practices flourish and grow. She is studying to become a creative arts therapist and believes creativity can support people in many ways. She has loved getting to know the community at Ōtautahi Creative Spaces and can’t wait to continue to see more magic happen! 

An Iranian New Zealander, Sudi’s own art practice explores identity and recently her work has examined the relationship between the Pacific and Islamic worlds. Through her career as a rug designer at Dilana Rugs, Sudi has collaborated with many New Zealand artists. A trained Psychologist, Sudi has facilitated art workshops at an Iranian hospital for people with post-traumatic stress and depression. Sudi combines her love of craft and art and her experience as a psychologist to improve mental health and wellbeing.