New Zealand: The Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern said there are two very special pieces of art that hang in my office in the beehive. You might have seen them? One I brought many years ago from a creative spaces in Wellington called Vincent’s, the other was a gift from a similar space down south.
Creative spaces are places in the community where people with mental health needs, disabled people, and those looking for social connection, are welcomed and supported to practice and participate in the arts and in their communities.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern visited a creative space in Mt Albert where a class was being held for those who have suffered a stroke, and was reminded of just how amazing these space are – filled with such talented people, with such incredible stories.
We should not underestimate the role that the arts can play in health and wellbeing nor the opportunity that these spaces provide to develop and showcase artist talent.
Funding creative spaces will support new jobs and expand existing roles to help build a more sustainable sector and skilled workforce. It will enable creative spaces to increase the reach and quality of their services and programmes, including into M?ori and Pacific communities.
Earlier this year we supported creative spaces with an $18million fund so they can continue to grow and support the community they have built. If you have a creative space in your neighbourhood, definitely recommend dropping by sometime!
