Dunedin's award winning creative space, Artsenta, has developed a creative wellbeing programme for regional Otago. Piloted last year in North Otago, the programme has been so successful that it is now expanding to Central Otago.

Creative sessions will be held weekly in Wanaka, Cromwell and Alexandra with a variety of activities in a supportive environment. The programme will still run under Red Light with vaccine passes, masks and distancing.

An artist and peer support worker have been engaged to run the programme which is free to attend and doesn’t require a referral from a health specialist.

Local artist, Janie Shaw, will lead the creative side of the programme which has an arts and crafts focus. Janie is a visual artist and musician based in St Bathans.

“This programme focuses on creativity as a form of self-expression and self-care, rather than artistic skill,” says Shaw. “We will provide accessible activities to a wide range of individuals, from paint to clay to craft. There will be something for everyone."

Peer support worker, Fiona Fairbairn, who has experience as a mental health consumer and has previously championed free counselling in the region, will provide wellbeing support to attendees. Fiona is based in Makarora and is an active member of the swimming community in Wanaka.

“I’m really excited to be contributing to this initiative,” said Fairbairn. “Personally, I have found being connected with other people and being involved in creative pursuits has been helpful in my journey.”

The programme aims to support anyone 18 years and over who is struggling with their wellbeing by helping them to be creative and connected with others in a similar situation.

Funding from the Ministry of Culture & Heritage has enabled the programme to expand through the CARE fund established last year.

Artsenta has been operating in Dunedin for 35 years and is one of the longest running creative spaces in Aotearoa.

Anyone interested in participating in the Central Otago programme can email central@artsenta.org or get in touch on their Facebook page by searching Central Otago Creative Wellbeing.