A community art studio in Nelson supporting those in mental distress has begun crafting its new life in a fresh space.
Magenta Creative Space has allowed people, including at-risk youth, to socialise, feel accepted, express themselves creatively, and develop relationships with others facing similar challenges in a safe, non-institutional environment for more than 23 years.
An opening ceremony for its new studio on Selwyn Pl was held on 14 May, after eight years at the Old St Johns Church community hall on Hardy St.
Outreach coordinator, Maria Anderson, says a new venue was needed in the CBD to accommodate those who travel to the area, and due to an increased membership.
“The place that we were in could only accommodate between eight to 12 people per session,” she says.
“Our numbers have more than doubled, and we could quite comfortably fit up to about 25 people per session in our new studio which is really exciting.
“The higher profile is also to really encourage people to have those conversations around mental health to remove those stigmas.”
Community donations and a Rātā Foundation grant helped fund the new studio space.
Maria says 80 artists were on the books, and it was “growing every day”.
“They’re excited and very proud that they've now got a little shop and art gallery to promote their artworks, and they had worked hard to have things on the walls for the launch,” she says.
“We’ll continue to operate five days a week… we are also looking at running a senior citizens session on a Saturday for the first time, which will be in July.
“We've also got an additional space that we're looking to rent out to the community, so it will allow us to hopefully generate a little bit of income from hiring out that second space.”
Maria says preloved art and craft material sales at its ArtSurplus Fundraising Fair on 28 June would enable the space to cover its existing overheads. The event takes place between 10am and 4pm with a gold coin required for entry.
