Skip to content

Empower Aotearoa Launch Event - Pop-up Therapeutic Art Studio

240229-empower aotearoa-12003-1From the 29th of February until the 19th of March 2024, we officially launched Empower Aotearoa! We used the beautiful Incubator space thanks to Life In Vacant Spaces. You can read more about our use of the space and the mahi that Life In Vacant Spaces does here.

Our launch event offered a myriad of different things, including:

  • Free therapeutic art workshops;
    • "Dance for Plants" dance-movement therapy exercise.
    • Community connection multi-media mural exercise.
    • Tea blending for sensory-rich self-care.
    • Transformation Talisman - Wearable Art for Strength.
    • Sculpting your self-care.
  • Art on the street; chalk for all, drawing/sharing messages for strangers, bunting for pride, communal poetry, and more.
  • Prize giveaways, including a $500+ art pack to kick off your therapeutic arts journey.

We had lots of great feedback from the people who took part:

Hands holding heart

"What I like about therapeutic arts with Empower Aotearoa is that there is something for everyone. You can't get it wrong."

Hands holding heart

"I feel inspired. I am so happy I found this."

Hands holding heart

"I felt like I belong here. I love it"

Hands holding heart

"Lovely tea workshop. Awesome energy and vibe."

Hands holding heart

"It was so lovely. The environment was blissful."

Hands holding heart

"Wholesome and so relaxing. I needed this."

Hands holding heart

"Great work, really enjoyed it!! Caz was lovely!! :)"

Hands holding heart

"Lovely vibe Caz... Thank you for your hospitality and general great vibes. Thumbs up all round :)"

Hands holding heart

"Beautiful set-up and experience."

Hands holding heart

"Loved the positive vibe and wrapping crystals here!! Such a cool idea! Thanks guys :)"

Hands holding heart

"Friendly place with lots of options."

Hands holding heart

"Loved the vibes! Thank you for being so kind."

Hands holding a heart

"Love the creative space."

Hands holding a heart

"Amazing concept. Important work."

Hands holding a heart

"Great opportunity for artists. Such a great space."

Hands holding a heart

"We needed this. I wish it was a permanent thing."

Here are some photos from the launch:

Do you have any feedback for the event? Any memories you'd like to share of the experience? How did it impact you or the people who attended with you? Please comment below, or e-mail us if you have any pictures you'd like to share. Alternatively, tag us on Instagram @empower.aotearoa or #empoweraotearoa