MEDIA RELEASE

31 January 2017

After hours trial for Dunedin art studio

This February Artsenta will trial after hours studio sessions for people who want to be creative but can’t attend during normal opening hours. Artsenta is a community art workshop for people who have experience of mental illness and celebrated its 30th year in 2016.

The eight week trial begins on 8 February and will take place from 5-7pm on Wednesdays until 29 March. Artsenta director, Paul Smith, said the initiative is being undertaken due to requests made by members of the community.

“There are a number of people who have come to Artsenta and really benefited from it, but work commitments now prevent them from attending. We want to support them and also open the door to other people who work or are busy during the day.”

No referral is required but people need to have had some contact with a mental health provider, PHO or GP, said Mr Smith. As these sessions are outside Artsenta’s normal funded service, users will be asked for a koha and will be expected to be able to work independently.

“We know that being part of a creative community can support people’s mental wellbeing and so its great to be able to undertake this trial and see what level of demand there is. But places are limited so we encourage people to register their interest early.”

More information is available on the Artsenta website or by phoning 03 477-9566.

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