Artsenta began as the Creative Expression Unit, a programme for patients at Cherry Farm Hospital just north of Dunedin. Instigated by the superintendent Dr Julia Aranui-Faed and inspired by an Australian mental health facility she had seen, this was a ground breaking initiative for New Zealand.

As Cherry Farm was destined for closure as part of sweeping changes to how mental health services were run, Julia established an independent body – the Creative Arts Trust – to guide its development and ensure its survival. This not-for-profit trust, officially incorporated on 17 June 1986, still oversees the work of Artsenta today.

At first, there was no specific space. Instead a series of spectacular events was organised, including The Taniwha Project which featured an exhibition and a parade of a 15-metre taniwha, and a national hui on creativity and health called Ahua Tanga Pai Mo Te Oranga. The three-day conference, held in July 1988, included workshops and presentations by artists, health sector workers and visionaries from throughout New Zealand as well as Australia and England.

The official opening of a creative space at Cherry Farm took place in October 1989 with local hapu Kāti Huirapa gifting the name Kimi Ora. Not long after nurse and artist, Heather Martin, was appointed manager. With her drive and vision, Heather had a profound effect on the development and promotion of creative programmes. World-renowned soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa accepted the role of patron, a position she held until 1996.

After much searching, a site in Dunedin was found at 50 Filleul Street with the official opening for the new site held in February 1992 with then Associate Minister of Health, Katherine O’Regan, in attendance. A competition was run for the naming of the new space and the name chosen – Artsenta – offered a simple but clear guide to the organisation’s kaupapa: an art studio for people experiencing mental illness or addiction, where creative expression is central.

Right from the start, a wide variety of activities were undertaken, such as dance, music, creative writing, and the visual arts including life drawing. At the same time, Artsenta staff built a strong relationship with the Otago Polytechnic Occupational Therapy school and started accepting placements. But Filleul Street was a small space for so much activity and so Artsenta was on the move again.

In 1994 Artsenta moved to the old Bagdad Cafe at 110 Moray Place. After demolishing the bar there was room for a gallery space open to the public and a pottery studio. A major milestone was the 10th anniversary in 1996 which featured an exhibition and wearable art parade in the Octagon. Artsenta’s presence was beginning to be felt in the heart of Dunedin.

In 1998 artist Rob West took over as director and facilitated the relocation to Great King St in 1999. Never afraid of dressing up himself, Rob instigated the much loved wearable arts event Arty Pants. First held in October 2000 at the College of Education auditorium, Arty Pants was presented during Mental Health Awareness Week and invited participation from the wider mental health community of Otago and Southland. The show achieved packed houses and rave reviews.

Artist and psychiatric nurse, Frank Gordon, became director in 2003 and in 2005, Artsenta moved to the old Agricultural Hall in Crawford St. This large space was notoriously difficult to heat in winter and too hot in summer but that didn’t stop the creativity. Music was a big focus. A music room was set up for the first time and recording projects resulted in the Greatest Hits Artsenta CD being produced.

In 2009, occupational therapist and deputy director of Artsenta, Jill Thomson, stepped into the Director role. She played a key role in establishing a relationship with residential therapeutic community Moana House who have been bringing their men to Artsenta for over 15 years. In 2015, after 29 years of service to the community, Artsenta was awarded the national Creative Spaces Award by Arts Access Aotearoa.

In late 2015, Artsenta moved to its current high profile and accessible Princes St location. In early 2016, event manager and arts administrator, Paul McLellan-Smith, became director. Artsenta’s 30th celebrations were also held that year with the launch of a comprehensive history book. Over the next 10 years, the Artsenta team worked to expand its community connections, cultural capability and regional programmes. 

Right from the outset, Artsenta explored the idea of outreach programmes to hospitals, schools and eventually to other towns in the Otago region. A regular programme was established in the late 1990s with staff from Artsenta traveling to Clyde, Balclutha and Ōamaru on a weekly roster. In 2021 Artsenta established outreach teams in Oamaru and Central Otago who presented creative wellbeing sessions in multiple towns in each area. In 2026 Artsenta was able to expand further to provide outreach programmes in North, Central, and South Otago.

A comprehensive history, Artsenta: The first 30 years, written by local historian and previous Artsenta board member Kath Beattie, was published in 2015. It is available at the Dunedin City Library, or from Artsenta.