Symposium
Ngā HōtakaToi Piringa
The Art of Connection
Artsenta and the Creative Arts Trust are delighted to present Toi Piringa - The Art of Connection, a symposium on creativity and wellbeing to celebrate our 40th anniversary during this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week.
This symposium brings together people who believe in the transformative power of creativity – creative spaces, people working at the intersection of creativity and wellbeing, researchers and artists will share innovative and inspiring stories, evidence, ideas and practice.
Artsenta is a creative space where art is not about perfection or performance – it is about expression, connection, and belonging. Over four decades, thousands of artworks have been created, countless conversations shared, and many lives strengthened through the simple but profound act of making. Artsenta has witnessed how creative practice builds confidence, reduces isolation, supports recovery, and offers new ways for people to understand themselves and the world around them.
Toi Piringa - The Art of Connection aims to lift the awareness and understanding of creative wellbeing as an essential component of our community and our collective wellbeing. This will be an inspiring and invigorating event informed and presented by leaders and innovators from throughout Aotearoa.
Toi Piringa - The Art of Connection will take place in conjunction with the exhibition A River of Creativity, celebrating Artsenta’s 40th anniversary, also hosted by Tūhura Otago Museum.
Date: 14 October 2026, 8:30am-5:15pm
Venue: Tūhura Otago Museum, 419 Great King Street, Dunedin
Featuring:
Inspiring Practice - Case Studies
Hear real world examples of creative wellbeing practice from innovative sector leaders sharing their passion and their insights into the evolving role of creativity in the community, and its impact on mental health and recovery.
Cultural Perspectives - Panel Discussion
Explore how diverse cultural worldviews enrich our understanding of creativity, healing, and mental health. This dynamic panel discussion brings together Indigenous and multicultural practitioners, artists, and community leaders to examine the vital role cultural connection plays in wellbeing.
Growing Evidence - Research Presentations
We dive into the evidence, impacts and frameworks behind artistic expression and community health. This session highlights contemporary research demonstrating how and why creativity profoundly influences mental health, recovery, and societal wellbeing.
Interactive Workshops
Step into a collaborative space and experience the therapeutic power of making first-hand. These interactive workshops invite you to explore diverse creative mediums, guided by experienced facilitators in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Deepen the Vision, Advance the Action – Presentations & Discussion
Artsenta’s 40th anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate longevity and explore how creative organisations endure, evolve and continue to make a difference. Hear creative space leaders from across the motu reflect on what they have learned from their mahi and discuss two simple questions:
1. What has helped us get here?
2. What will help us get where we want to go next?
Richard Benge, Executive Director of Arts Access Aotearoa, will facilitate the conversation, drawing together common themes and inviting the audience to consider what these stories tell us about the future of creative spaces across Aotearoa.

