In the Phillipstown Community Hub, artists are learning to channel their creativity and build social connections through art, to support their mental health journey.
Ōtautahi Creative Spaces was established following the Christchurch earthquakes and is on a mission to reimagine the mental health system, placing access to creativity at the centre of their work.
“Ōtautahi Creative Spaces is a creative community of people with experiences of mental distress and trauma,” says Henni Read, Team Leader Creative Wellbeing Programmes at Ōtautahi Creative Spaces.
“We’re all about harnessing the life-changing power of creativity so that people are well, connected, happy, and can live the lives that they want.”
The not-for-profit currently supports 80 adult participants through various programmes, including studio sessions, exhibitions, collaborations and workshops with guest artists.
Ōtautahi Creative Spaces aims to provide equitable access to creative well-being for communities of need, including rangatahi, Māori, Pasifika, Muslim and rainbow communities.
Henni says that through art and doing what we love in the company of others, people can achieve significant changes in their lives.
“In essence, we help people see themselves as artists, to feel strong and confident, valued, rather than being defined by an experience of mental distress,” says Henni.
As well as ensuring their studios and resources are available free of charge, Ōtautahi Creative Spaces reduces barriers for people wanting to participate in their programmes by providing individualised support.
“We listen to people to understand what will make it possible for them to join in and feel safe here,” says Henni.
“We tailor our support for each person; we meet people where they’re at.”
Cahaya Milne is a talented artist who has been attending sessions with Ōtautahi Creative Spaces for more than 18 months.
“With Ōtautahi Creative Spaces, they’ve been a real help for me and my mental health in terms of routine,” says Cahaya.
“Every week I come twice a week, and sitting and focusing and doing my art has really given me a sense of purpose.
“Ōtautahi Creative Spaces brings people together, and it gives us a safe space to create art and really flourish.”
Henni agrees the studio is a supportive, inclusive space to build connections with other artists.
“The conventional approach to mental health isn’t really working, and we know that counselling and medication aren’t enough for people to thrive,” adds Henni.
“Social connection is one of the most important parts of people’s recovery. Everyone needs a place where they can go to feel joy, hope, connection.”
Rātā Foundation has supported Ōtautahi Creative Spaces under the South Island funder’s Multi-Year Funding Programme.
“One of the key needs we see in the community right now is a focus on mental health,” says Rātā Chief Executive Leighton Evans.
“Ōtautahi Creative Spaces helps to remove barriers for people with mental health challenges by providing a space to connect with others and explore their creativity.
“Our long-term funding provides Ōtautahi Creative Spaces with stability and certainty, allowing them to focus on their effectiveness and extend their impact in the community.”
In terms of next steps, Ōtautahi Creative Spaces will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025 and plans to release a book of artists’ stories and artwork. It is a milestone the organisation is excited about, and a project Henni says “will change hearts and minds about the importance of creativity in mental health.”
For more information about Ōtautahi Creative Spaces, visit the website.