Toi Piringa : The Art of Connection
Description
Toi Piringa: Symposium on Creativity and Wellbeing
Artsenta and the Creative Arts Trust are delighted to present Toi Piringa - The Art of Connection, a symposium on creativity and wellbeing to celebrate our 40th anniversary during this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week.
This symposium brings together people who believe in the transformative power of creativity – creative spaces, people working at the intersection of creativity and wellbeing, researchers and artists will share innovative and inspiring stories, evidence, ideas and practice.
Artsenta is a creative space where art is not about perfection or performance – it is about expression, connection, and belonging. Over four decades, thousands of artworks have been created, countless conversations shared, and many lives strengthened through the simple but profound act of making. Artsenta has witnessed how creative practice builds confidence, reduces isolation, supports recovery, and offers new ways for people to understand themselves and the world around them.
Toi Piringa - The Art of Connection aims to lift the awareness and understanding of creative wellbeing as an essential component of our community and our collective wellbeing. This will be an inspiring and invigorating event informed and presented by leaders and innovators from throughout Aotearoa.
Toi Piringa - The Art of Connection will take place in conjunction with the exhibition A River of Creativity, celebrating Artsenta’s 40th anniversary, also hosted by Tūhura Otago Museum.
We encourage you to join us to celebrate, explore and uplift the incredible creative mahi taking place throughout New Zealand. Whether you are a long-time supporter of creative spaces or new to our kaupapa, your presence will make this milestone event complete.
A list of presenters with biographies is available on the Artsenta website at www.artsenta.org
Event Details
Date: 14 October 2026
Time: 08:30 - 17:30
Venue: Otago Museum
Event registrations are required and include a full day of presentations, discussions and workshops, plus morning and afternoon tea. Lunch can be included for an additional cost.
Registrations pricing includes General, Concession and Professional. Concession is for students and community services card holders. Professional is for those who can afford to give a little extra and want to support this charity led event.
Programme
- 8:00 am - 8:45 am
Registrations
Check in with our team as you arrive.
- 8:30 am - 9:15 am
Mihi Whakatau / Welcome
You will be welcomed by mana whenua and symposium hosts Artsenta.
- 9:15 am - 11:00 am
Inspiring Practice (Tea & Coffee break at 10am)
Hear from leaders in creative wellbeing practice, sharing their work and their thoughts on the evolving role of creativity in wellbeing, mental health and recovery.
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cultural Perspectives - Panel Discussion, Q&A
Explore how diverse cultural worldviews enrich our understanding of creativity, healing, and mental health. This dynamic panel discussion brings together Indigenous and multicultural practitioners, artists, and community leaders to examine the vital role cultural connection plays in wellbeing.
- 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Growing Evidence - Research presentations
We dive into the evidence, insights and frameworks behind artistic expression and community health. This session highlights contemporary research demonstrating how and why creativity profoundly impacts mental health, recovery, and societal wellbeing.
- 2:15 pm - 3:30 pm
Interactive Workshops
Step into a creative space and experience the therapeutic power of making firsthand. These interactive workshops invite you to explore diverse creative mediums, guided by experienced facilitators in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Artsenta activities in Hutton Theatre, other workshops in Skinner Annex and Kakapō Room.
- 3:45 pm - 5:00 pm
Deepen the Vision, Advance the Action – Presentation and discussion
Where is the landscape of creative spaces, accessibility, and arts-led wellbeing heading next? Join us for an inspiring closing panel of short presentations, discussion and Q&A looking torward the future of community led creativity in Aotearoa. Facilitated by the champions of inclusive expression, Arts Access Aotearoa, this session brings together creative space leaders to share what has worked for them and what they are doing to create a sustainable future for their creative community.
- 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Creative Reflections
Join us for an activity to reflect on the day
- 5:30 am
Karakia Whakamutanga
We bring an end to the day.
FAQs
- Food
We will be providing morning and afternoon tea.
Lunch can be pre-ordered and paid for at time of registration. Lunch boxes will be prepared by Precinct catering and include a variety of options.
Other cafes in the area will be operating.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
