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Toi Ōtautahi hosts free arts development workshops for creatives and arts organisations on the first Wednesday of every month.
These cover a range of topics from business skills to wellbeing. It also hosts Wellbeing for Creatives sessions on the second Tuesday of the month.
Arts Development Workshops First Wednesday of every month 5.30 – 7pm Toi Auaha, 5 Worcester Boulevard Free to attend – bookings required via Humanitix.
Greening the Arts: Practical Sustainability for Artists and Galleries
Wednesday 2nd September 5.30 – 7pm
Art plays a role in navigating society’s response to the climate crisis, but its environmental impacts can also mean it’s part of the problem. Join James Tapsell-Kururangi, Director of Physics Room, for an introduction to practical sustainability tools and approaches developed by the Gallery Climate Coalition (GCC), helping artists and galleries reduce their environmental impact. To register, book here.
Founded in 2020, the GCC works to create an environmentally responsible art world. With more than 1,300 members globally, including Physics Room here in Ōtautahi, the coalition provides guidance and resources to support its goal of halving the art sector’s carbon emissions and achieving near-zero waste by 2030.
Artist Advice Bureau: Independent Advice for Artists
Wednesday 7th October 1-4pm
The Artist Advice Bureau / Puna Tohutohu (Ringatoi) is visiting Ōtautahi for the first time in October, offering artists a confidential, supportive space to seek guidance from experienced arts practitioners on the challenges of navigating the visual arts industry.
Hosted by Arts Makers Aotearoa in partnership with Toi Ōtautahi and Physics Room, this drop-in session at Toi Auaha provides access to independent advice and advocacy on issues of any size or scope. Whether you have questions about professional practice, funding, contracts, career development, relationships, or finding your way through the arts sector, we’re here to help.
Arts Makers Aotearoa’s Claudia Jowitt, the Artist Advice Bureau’s original “Art Aunty”, will be joined by local arts Aunties from the Ōtautahi creative community, bringing a wealth of lived experience and sector knowledge. Together, they’ll offer practical guidance, a listening ear, and insights tailored to your circumstances.
Drop in anytime between 1pm and 4pm to connect, ask questions, and access support from people who understand the realities of working in the arts. No need to book.
Arts Makers Aotearoa: Advocacy, Resources and Support for Artists
Wednesday 7th October 5.30-7pm
What support exists for artists beyond funding applications and exhibition opportunities? Join Claudia Jowitt from Arts Makers Aotearoa (AMA) for an introduction to one of Aotearoa’s leading artist advocacy organisations and the resources it provides to support creative practitioners.
Arts Makers Aotearoa is a community of makers working collectively to strengthen support for artists and advocate for a more sustainable, equitable and thriving arts sector. Since 2020, AMA has built a national network dedicated to amplifying artists’ voices, sharing knowledge, and shaping policies that affect the wellbeing, livelihoods and futures of creative communities.
In this session, Claudia will present AMA’s work across advocacy, professional development, artist wellbeing and sector sustainability, alongside practical resources including the Art Makers Toolkit, artist fee guidance, and initiatives designed to support artists at all stages of their careers. Participants will gain insights into the challenges facing the sector, learn how collective action can drive change, and discover tools and networks that can help strengthen their own practice.
Whether you’re an emerging practitioner, an established artist, or someone interested in the future of the arts in Aotearoa, this is an opportunity to learn more about the people and projects working behind the scenes to support artists and build a stronger creative ecosystem.
Cutting through the Noise: Marketing and Promotion for Creatives
Wednesday 4th November 5.30-7pm
In a rapidly changing digital landscape, promoting creative work can feel more challenging than ever. This workshop will bring together industry experts to share practical insights, strategies and tools that help creative practitioners connect with audiences, grow their profile and make the most of often limited marketing resources.
Drawing on current industry knowledge and real-world experience, the session will explore effective digital promotion, navigating social media and making the most of promotional budgets to reach wider audiences, customers and gatekeepers. Whether you’re an artist, musician, writer or creative entrepreneur, you’ll gain practical ideas to help your work stand out.
Wellbeing for Creatives
Second Tuesday of every month 6.30 –8.30pm Toi Auaha, 5 Worcester Boulevard Free to attend – bookings welcomed via Humanitix.
Wellbeing for Creatives is a monthly peer-supported space for Ōtautahi artists, makers and creatives of all kinds every second Tuesday of the month. It offers a welcoming environment to connect with others who understand the unique joy and pressures of creative life. At its heart, Wellbeing for Creatives is about creative people supporting one another to nurture resilience, inspiration and a sense of belonging together. Through guided reflection, shared conversation and gentle wellbeing practices, participants are supported to recognise their strengths, broaden their resources and build meaningful community. By grounding in a holistic approach inspired by Te Whare Tapa Whā model, the session aim to support physical, mental, spiritual, social and environmental wellbeing. These sessions are thoughtfully facilitated while remaining flexible and responsive to the needs of the group.