Arch Hill based Toi Ora, a member of the Creative Spaces Network, is seeking funding as multi-year support from Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage comes to an end. This funding has been instrumental in expanding access to free, professional creative classes for people in mental health recovery.
A newly released report, Te Kaha o ā Tātou Mahi | The Power of Our Work, highlights the transformative impact of this investment, revealing a 246% increase in attendance at creative spaces in Auckland and the rest of New Zealand. Using data compiled by Arts Access Aotearoa over three years, the report underscores the critical role these spaces play in enhancing mental health and social well-being.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received,” says Toi Ora Director Susanne Ritzenhoff. “It has allowed us to grow our reach and provide life-changing and transformative experiences through creativity for our artists. With this funding coming to an end, we are actively seeking solutions to sustain our services.”
The support enabled Toi Ora to collaborate with QWBLab to assess the effectiveness of its programmes, which have demonstrated remarkable results:
- 52% increase in happiness sentiment
- 80% of participants benefiting from social engagement
- 48% reduction in anxiety
- 25 individuals prevented from self-harming
“Toi Ora is more than an arts space; it’s a lifeline,” Ritzenhoff adds. “Creativity has a profound impact on mental well-being, fostering resilience, confidence, and connection. Our focus remains on ensuring these essential services continue to be available to those who need them most.”
One of Toi Ora’s many success stories is Kerehi* (Ngāpuhi), a 25-year-old who rediscovered her passion and confidence through the Toi Hono programme. Integrating te ao Māori principles, the programme helped Kerehi embrace her artistic potential and overcome self-doubt.
“It made me realise that I actually do like doing art for art’s sake. And it’s a real bonus if people like it,” says Kerehi.
Since 2020, Arts Access Aotearoa has worked with Manatū Taonga to deliver an $18 million CARE Fund initiative supporting the sustainability of creative spaces. This investment has driven significant growth.
In 2019, national attendance rates were estimated at 11,000 people attending 67 creative spaces. In 2024, this figure had increased to an estimated 40,000 people attending the 53 creative spaces supported through the CARE Fund, and impacting an additional 120,000 whānau, family and/or companions and support people.
Richard Benge, Executive Director of Arts Access Aotearoa, emphasises the far-reaching benefits of this funding. “In economic terms, happier, connected people mean people making positive contributions to our society and fewer people in the health system,” Benge says. “It’s a win-win situation.”
Toi Ora is part of the Creative Spaces Network, facilitated by Arts Access Aotearoa, which provides inclusive arts opportunities for people facing participation barriers, including those with disabilities, mental distress, or social isolation. At Toi Ora, 100% of participants live with a mental health challenge, and 79% live with a disability.
Looking ahead, Arts Access Aotearoa remains committed to supporting creative spaces in securing sustainable funding models. “We will continue to support and advocate for them as they transition from the end of the multi-year investment to seeking sustainable funding alternatives,” says Benge.
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