10 Years Of Thriving Through Creativity

We’re a creative community of people with experience of mental distress and trauma who are thriving through the power of creativity. The artists are front and centre: bold, joyful and courageous; our studios are a hive of activity. After almost 10 years of getting creative with mental health, one thing’s for sure: art not only has the power to change lives, art saves lives.  

We want to create and publish a book with the voices and work of our diverse group of artists leading the charge, as champions for creative wellbeing. Via in-depth stories, portraits and incredible artwork from the last ten years, this unique publication will celebrate the story of our vibrant arts community and speak to the transformative power of creativity. Our artists’ stories show how seeing ourselves as artists, rather than being defined by our experience of mental distress, makes a world of difference.

The stories of our artists matter, but they often fly under the radar. We want their stories to get the recognition they deserve in the mental health and creative spheres.  This is even more essential during a time when our mental healthcare system can’t keep up with demand, and medication and counselling can only go so far. It’s time to spread the word about an alternative approach to mental health that’s proven to work: creativity. Through the power of creativity, people don’t just survive, they thrive.  

By championing this movement early on and publishing a tangible record of its positive impact, we have an exciting opportunity to put Ōtautahi on the map as a leader in arts and wellbeing – because we march to the beat of our own drum. With your help, that drumming beat will get even louder.

By supporting this project, you’ll propel us into the next 10 years, help us grow bigger and stronger, and build momentum for the changes that are needed to help exceptional creative communities like ours flourish.  To get our project over the line, we’re reaching out to our community to raise $15,000.

This will cover:  

• Contracting writer Georgia Merton to interview artists, craft the words and amplify our artists’ voices 
• Commissioning high quality photographs of the artists and their work 
• Graphic design and layout 

We'll secure extra funding to cover the publishing and printing costs.

ABOUT US

Ōtautahi Creative Spaces is a specialist arts and mental health initiative in Christchurch which works in partnership with whānau, mental health agencies, and cultural facilities to create exciting artistic opportunities for more than 100 people with experience of mental distress and trauma. We’re part of a movement to re-imagine our mental healthcare system: we dream of a world where access to creativity is an integral part of the support that’s available for mental distress.