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.