The use of creativity as a tool for wellbeing is at the heart of an innovative programme re-launching in Wānaka next week.

Wānaka Community Wellbeing - which ran locally from 2021-2024 and is back thanks to new funding - encourages participants to explore art while supporting their overall wellbeing and connection with others.

The free classes are open to anyone aged 17 or over who is experiencing mental distress or ongoing health issues.

“It’s been well proven that being creative can have significant benefits to a person's mental health,” Wānaka Community Wellbeing co-facilitator and local artist Chrissy Wickes told the Wānaka App.

“When people express themselves through art and take the time to experience the present moment, it can give the mind a good rest. The process of creating can be extremely playful. 

“The end result is of less importance. It is more about the sheer joy of creating."

She said sharing the creative process and space with others also “builds whakawhanaungatanga, a strong, healthy relationship with others in the group”.

The local programme is an outreach arm of Artsenta, a Dunedin-based organisation which has been delivering creative wellbeing classes for 40 years.

Starting next week, two classes will run in Wānaka weekly. 

Wednesday sessions will focus “more on community” and may involve sketching a scene in public or attending an artist’s talk. Friday sessions are “facilitated art sessions” exploring a range of media, Chrissy said.

Participants don’t need to meet any specific criteria, like having received a diagnosis, to take part, and the sessions are non-clinical.

Instead the focus will be on creativity, connection and - above all - “having fun”.

Chrissy will be facilitating the classes with Nicky Young, and numbers will be capped at around 10 people per session.

With two years of funding secured from the Ministry of Social Development and Te Whatu Ora, people can take part for as long as they like.

There is also no need for any art experience, and no tools are required - it is as simple as showing up, ready to get creative, Chrissy said.

The first Wednesday class will take place next week. Wednesday classes will take place at the Wānaka Community Hub while Friday’s classes will be at the Wānaka Arts Centre beside Wānaka Library (both from 10.30am-1pm).

People who are considering attending can email to register: [email protected] or call Nicky on 0274683511 if you have any questions.

PHOTO: Supplied