Join Us
Hono maiNew Artists
We believe everyone has the capacity to be creative, so we call everyone who attends Artsenta an artist. We know that being creative can support your mental health and wellbeing - we see the positive benefits at Artsenta every day!
We are not a ‘drop-in’ centre. We are a working art studio, which means everybody who attends must be creatively engaged. Our focus is on the creative process and giving things a go rather than making work for sale..
Artsenta is a creative community with a focus on peer support, manaakitanga and whanaungatanga. We welcome you to connect with us and enjoy the benefits of our creative community.
Eligibility
If you are interested in being creative, are 17 years or older, not in school, and receiving support for a mental health or addiction issue, you are eligible to access Artsenta. There is no charge to come to Artsenta.
As we are a non-clinical space, there is no formal referral process required. You can just give us a call or come for a visit. If you self-refer, you will still need to be seeing a health professional for your mental health or addiction (eg mental health team, health service, GP, counsellor, whānau ora navigator, or similar).
How to get started
Book a visit to Artsenta – you are welcome to bring a support person for your first visit. This is a chance for us to show you around the space, and introduce you to the materials and opportunities to be creative at Artsenta. This normally takes about 30 minutes and takes place between 9am and 12noon on Mon-Tues or Thurs-Fri.
On your second visit, we will work with you to develop a simple Art Plan based on your interests that will guide your creative work at Artsenta. When you will attend and the support you need will be part of this discussion.
Because Artsenta is a shared community space, we have a set of guidelines that help us all maintain a safe and creative atmosphere. Please read our guidelines here.
Our Guidelines
Be Creative
Artsenta is a creative space.
Everyone is expected to be actively engaged in creativity while here. Ask staff if you need help getting started or want to try something new.
Enjoy The Process
As a strength-based service we focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t.
Making mistakes is okay as it means you're learning what works. Take time to enjoy the creative process!
Be Respectful
As a shared space we have to balance everyone's needs.
Please respect other artist's privacy, the limited nature of Artsenta materials and staff decisions made in the interests of everyone.
Keep It Non-Clinical
We are here to support your wellbeing but we are not a space for Clinical discussions or crisis support.
Staff are happy to provide information on other support services if you need them.
Take Care
It's not okay to come to Artsenta if you're a risk to yourself or others.
If staff think you're not physically or mentally well enough to be at Artsenta, we may ask you to leave.
Stay Safe
Artsenta is a drug, alcohol and smoke-free environment.
We have zero tolerance of harassment or violence of any kind. Keeping
Artsenta a safe space for everyone is our top priority.
What you can do at Artsenta
We cater for people who like to work in all sorts of ways, and there is plenty of space and time to do your own thing. We can provide resources and support to extend what you already know or our helpful team can help you explore making something for the first time.
Our Creative Sessions are a great way to get started or try something new. See our timetable here.
As well as your own creative projects, Artsenta organises occasional trips to galleries and other places of inspiration. We exhibit artists' work at Artsenta and in the wider community, publish creative writing, and host our own events. We often take part in community events like the Dunedin Fringe Festival and Mental Health Awareness Week.
We use the holistic model of wellbeing called Te Whare Tapa Wha developed by Sir Mason Durie. It incorporates Tinana (physical health), Hinengaro (mental and emotional health), Whānau (social health) and Wairua (spiritual health). All these elements of wellbeing are equally important, and they are woven into our creative work and our creative community.
Our Timetable
Monday
Printmaking
10am - 12pm
Jewellery
1pm - 3pm
Tuesday
Creative Writing
10.30am - 12pm
Pottery
1pm - 3pm
Wednesday
Drawing
1.pm - 3pm
Artwaves Radio Show
1.30pm - 3pm
(on alternates weeks)
Thursday
Glass
1pm - 3pm
Friday
Singing
11am - 12pm
Support Workers
Many health services support people to attend Artsenta. Tangata whaiora might need help with transport or just getting through the door. Please call us to make an appointment so we can give you and your client our full attention.
We can help you transition a person to Artsenta in a planned way. Please be aware that the person you’re supporting has to want to attend and that Artsenta might not be the right place for some people. Please check our eligibility criteria as we don’t want to disappoint anyone. If you’re unsure you can always give us a call.
We have developed these support worker guidelines[1.1] to help you understand how to work with artists at Artsenta. Our team is happy to visit your service to explain our kaupapa and how we can support your people to attend Artsenta.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Artsenta?
Artsenta is a shared art studio for people accessing support for their mental health or addiction. We provide materials and equipment for a range of creative activites.
Artsenta was founded on the belief that creativity and artistic expression is an essential part of every person's health and well-being, and that those experiencing mental health challenges should be given the opportunity to realise their creative potential.
Who is Artsenta for and does it cost?
If you are interested in being creative, are 17 years old or over, and are seeing someone for a mental health or addiction issue, you are eligible to access Artsenta. There is no charge to come to Artsenta.
Do I need a referral?
No. There is no formal referral process or form. You can just give us a call or come for a visit. You may find out about us from a health service but you can also self-refer. If you self-refer you will still need to be seeing a health professional for your mental health and wellbeing (e.g. mental health team, health service, GP, etc).
How do I get started?
Most people begin by making a time to visit Artsenta. This is a chance for us to show you around our amazing space and introduce you to Artsenta and all the opportunuties to be creative. It's best to make a time or if you want to pop in, come between 9am and 11am.
Once you've had a look around staff will help you develop an Art Plan that will help guide your creative work at Artsenta. Our Creative Sessions are a great way to get started and try something out. See our timetable here. We cater for people who like to work in all sorts of ways and there is plenty of space and time to do your own thing.
Because Artsenta is a shared community space we have a set of guidelines that help us all maintain a safe and creative atmosphere. Please click here to read guidelines.
How does Artsenta protect my privacy?
Once you join Artsenta, we will make an Art Plan which includes some personal information. This information is held in the strictest confidence. Your privacy and your rights under the Health Privacy Code are important to us. Our Privacy Statement here outlines what information we collect and why, how we store your information and your privacy rights.
Who runs Artsenta?
Artsenta is a service of the Creative Arts Trust, a non profit organisation and registered charity. A board of trustees provides administrative and governance support to staff. The work of the Trust is primarily funded by Health NZ/Te Whatu Ora and the Ministry of Social Development along with the generous support of local and regional funders for specific projects.
How long has Artsenta been going?
Artsenta was first established in 1986 making it one of the longest running creative spaces in the country.
You can read more about our history here.
Who do I talk to if I have a concern or complaint?
Artsenta welcomes feedback and supports our artists to have a strong voice within our space. We encourage attending artists to raise any concerns with staff and they will support you to be heard.
You are welcome to attend Artist Meetings at the main table to hear about upcoming events, share what you are working on and join in discussions.
Rāapa/Wednesday, 3pm
Rārmere/Friday, 3pm
We also have an Artist Voice group that meets every month as well as a complaints process. You can talk to the Artist Voice members about your ideas, questions or concerns. There’s a photo of the group on the kitchen noticeboard.
The Suggestion Box is in the kitchen – suggestions are monitored by the Artist Voice group and shared with staff.
If you feel your complaint has not been addressed you can write a letter to the Chairperson of the Creative Arts Trust, or contact a Health & Disability Advocate (a free government service for all health service users).
Creative Arts Trust
PO Box 5986, DUNEDIN, 9054
Health & Disability Advocate
Ph: 0800 555 050
www.advocacy.org.nz
Or you can fill in this online feedback form[
462 Princes Street
PO Box 5986
Dunedin 9058
Ph: (03) 477 9566
Email: info@artsenta.org
