Magenta Creative Space calls for community support to help shift to a new studio

Magenta Creative Space is the only free, walk-in, fully-resourced arts studio in Nelson that provides a space for people experiencing mental distress, including at-risk youth, to socialise, feel accepted, express themselves creatively, and develop relationships with others facing similar challenges in a safe, non-institutional environment.  

Manager Kay van Dyk says that with a reduction in person-to-person mental health support services in Nelson and increased referrals to Magenta, the current studio space, located in the back of the Old St Johns Church community hall on Hardy St, does not meet the increased demand and current needs of clients.

In 2022, fifty adult artists used their services, with over twenty at-risk youth visiting the centre. Ms. Van Dyk expects those numbers to grow.

Magenta has been operating for twenty-two years, serving the community and providing creative innovation to support mental health recovery. The organisation “aims to bridge the gap for people who encounter limited access to mental health and other support services through the exploration of creativity as a proven means to enhance recovery and maintain well-being,” says Ms. van Dyk.

Ms van Dyk says, “We want everyone to feel welcome, but with increased demand comes increased pressure on our existing space. We are now looking for a Nelson central city location to move into”.

“This is an opportunity to scale up our programme delivery in a fit-for-purpose studio,” she says.

The community group has appealed to the Nelson community for support via donations or by helping Magenta identify community rental opportunities that provide long-term security in an appropriate space.

Ms. Van Dyk says a recent grant from Rātā Foundation has bolstered their fundraising, but they need more financial support to assist with the move.

Leighton Evans, Chief Executive of Rātā Foundation, says, “We want to see people thrive so they can participate positively in the community. This means people getting the right support when they need it.”

“Magenta supports people to help them overcome their mental health challenges and transform their lives through creative expression – something that contributes to the de-stigmatisation of mental health and aligns well with Rātā funding priorities.”

To help raise awareness and support for their cause, Magenta has held Open Days, with visitors stopping in for hot cross buns and a cup of tea to experience the current studio space, see the available resources, and understand how easy it is to access the space.

The drop-in art studio is open five days a week, and no referral is needed.

For further information or to donate, please visit the magentacreativespace.co.nz website or call 0272555805.