Creative Spaces Network

14/09/2026

The talent in Tāmaki Makaurau is something special.

Today at the Community Impact Tāmaki Makaurau Hui, we were lucky enough to have Bailey from Crescendo NZ take the stage and share their talent with the room. 💫

From creative spaces to community-led initiatives, today is all about celebrating the mahi happening across Tāmaki Makaurau and the incredible rangatahi and creatives at the heart of it.

A huge mihi to Bailey for bringing the good vibes and reminding us why youth voice, creativity and community matter and a big thank you to all those speaking today. ❤️

13/09/2026

350 people. One room. A shared vision for the future.

Today, 350 people from across Tāmaki Makaurau are coming together for the Community Impact Tāmaki Makaurau hui, sharing kōrero, connecting, and imagining what’s possible when we work collectively for our communities.

Following an amazing pōwhiri, Anya from Ember Innovations is on stage MCing the day and welcoming everyone into what promises to be a powerful day of kōrero, connection and inspiration.

We’re proud to be here alongside so many incredible people and organisations who are committed to creating meaningful change across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Whakawhanaungatanga Aotearoa

10/09/2026

find out more about Touch Compass 🔗 🔗 https://creativespacesnetwork.org.nz/Resources%20Disability%20Index%20Page/creative-spaces-national-directory-

Spark creative futures for disabled artists; support Touch Compass: Make a donation today!

10/09/2026

Now’s your chance to enrol at Māpura Studios

Mapura Studios provides a welcoming space for artists and creatives to explore, create, connect and grow alongside others in the creative community.

Whether you’re already making art or looking for a place to start, Mapura is a space where your creativity can flourish.

📍 Mapura Studios
🎨 Enrolments are now open!
Learn more about Māpura 🔗 🔗 https://creativespacesnetwork.org.nz/Resources%20Disability%20Index%20Page/creative-spaces-national-directory-

ArtsAndCulture CreativeSpaces

07/09/2026

We’re excited to share the latest mahi from Island Base, one of the newest members of the Creative Spaces Network.

Over the winter school holidays, Island Base FM returned to Mahurangi College for a two-day music programme, working alongside rangatahi and mentors Jason Eli and Simon Abela to create an original track entirely from scratch.

The result? “Crystal Reef” by Mahu Pacific 🎧🌺

Written, performed, produced and recorded by the rangatahi themselves, the track is a beautiful example of what can happen when young people are given the space, tools, mentorship and encouragement to explore their creativity and find their own voices.

The programme also saw Island Base reconnect with rangatahi from their previous Mahurangi College programme while welcoming new participants into the Island Base whānau. A special congratulations to lead vocalist Betty, who received an Island Base Scholarship for their Masterclass programme, providing 16 hours of one-on-one mentoring to develop her creative practice further.

We love seeing creative spaces creating opportunities for rangatahi to collaborate, experiment and build confidence through the arts.

🎥 Watch “Crystal Reef” by Mahu Pacific:
https://youtu.be/ra0mWmoi-AM

📸 Read the full story and view the gallery:
https://islandbasefm.com/26921-2/

We’re stoked to have Island Base FM as part of the Creative Spaces Network and look forward to celebrating more of their mahi and the incredible young creatives they support.

Music MahurangiCollege MahuPacific CrystalReef AotearoaArts

01/09/2026

👉🏽Kākano are doing what they do best, bringing creativity, colour and connection to their Henderson neighbours at Crescendo

This mural is a collaboration that’s truly ‘mean as,’ with Crescendo and Kākano’s journey together going all the way back to their beginnings at Corban Estate.

The artwork first began a year ago, and now it’s time for Part 2, created by youth, for youth. 🙌🏽

A beautiful example of creativity, connection and community coming together.

📸 Izzy and Mandy from Kākano Youth Arts Collective at Crescendo NZ

31/08/2026

👉🏽👉🏽What does the future of creative spaces in Tāmaki Makaurau look like?

Our very own Arts Access Activator for Auckland, Jazz Lolesio, shares her vision for strengthening connections across the Creative Spaces Network and creating more opportunities for communities to participate, collaborate and thrive through the arts.

With a particular focus on celebrating the incredible creativity, culture and talent across South Auckland, Jazz talks about the power of connection, collaboration and building a creative ecosystem where every space feels part of something bigger.

Read the full blog with Jazz here 🔗 🔗
https://creativespacesnetwork.org.nz/Arts%20Articles/Connecting-Auckland-creative-spaces

26/08/2026

👉👉Susanne Ritzenhoff, Director of Toi Ora Live Art Trust, has been named a finalist for Westfield Local Heroes 2026 and voting is now open!

If Susanne is selected as the Westfield St Lukes Local Hero, Toi Ora will receive a $20,000 grant to continue their vital work supporting people in mental health distress through creative programmes.

Please take a moment to vote for Susanne and share the opportunity with your networks.

🔗🔗https://www.westfield.co.nz/stlukes/news/29yiVr7iDzAThOJYQdjgDJ/local-heroes-2026?utm_source=local-heroes-finalist&utm_medium=owned-other&utm_id=a6278

25/08/2026

👉🏽Join Artsenta and the Creative Arts Trust for Toi Piringa: The Art of Connection, an inspiring one day symposium exploring the transformative power of creativity and its role in supporting individual and collective wellbeing.

The symposium celebrates Artsenta’s 40th anniversary and takes place during Mental Health Awareness Week, alongside the exhibition A River of Creativity at Tūhura Otago Museum.

📅 Wednesday 14 October 2026
⏰ 8:30am to 5:15pm
📍 Tūhura Otago Museum, Dunedin
♿ Wheelchair accessible, accessible toilets and mobility parking available

Find out more and register: 🔗 🔗
https://creativespacesnetwork.org.nz/Events/Toi-Piringa-The-Art-of-Connection

Full programme posted 🔜