Professor Peter O’Connor is intent upon growing the connection between the arts and wellbeing in Aotearoa’s communities and schools. While he’s gaining a lot of support, the one thing still missing is government funding and leadership for those working in the sector. An international expert in applied theatre and a long-time proponent... Keep Reading
In November Creative New Zealand funded several creative aging arts projects including Toi Ako, which brings together, promotes and celebrates the contribution kaumatua (including those with dementia) can make to the arts, a dance class programme well-known contemporary dancer and choreographer Lucy Marinkovich, and ASPiRE dance production... Keep Reading
There is a substantial and growing body of evidence for the ways in which participation in the arts can contribute to the wellbeing of young people. Fortunately, Tāmaki Makaurau|Auckland is home to diverse, innovative and creatively rich arts and wellbeing practices specifically for youth. Keep Reading
The Atawhai Festival was created in response to the need for education of wider community connectivity and deeper understanding of lived experience. The event has a solid aim to combat negative perceptions through the arts, challenging pervasive dialogue & negative stereotypes. We seek to create tangi... Keep Reading
The ‘Out of the Box’ exhibition held at Studio One Toi Tū in Ponsonby, Auckland provided a window into the art room at Northland Region Corrections Facility (NRCF). The collection represented various media and genres, with a strong focus on mental health and well-being... Keep Reading
HEADLANDS is a series of short films for an anxious world, developed by some of Aotearoa's inspiring new film makers in partnership with writers who have lived experience of anxiety. Forty-seven percent of New Zealanders will personally experience mental illness or distress in their lifetime, so this is a significant opportunity to shift... Keep Reading
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