Art of healing
As Toi Ora Director I have a very clear vision- everyone who walks through the doors of Toi Ora is an artist. From the moment they enter, we focus on strengths. Creativity is a means to support wellbeing, and we provide a therapeutic and non-judgemental environment where people can explore that.
Art has long been recognised as a powerful tool for healing, but neuroscience is now catching up to what artists and communities have known for centuries—creativity has the power to rewire the brain. Through neuroplasticity, making art fosters new neural connections, offering individuals the ability to reshape their lives and redefine their futures. This is the foundation of Toi Ora Live Trust, an Auckland-based community art space dedicated to supporting mental wellbeing through creative practice
The philosophy of Toi Ora is embedded in its name, which translates to ‘where we source our health from and our knowledge of wellbeing from.’ The organisation operates on a strengths-based model, reinforcing trust, respect, and positive reinforcement—values that quickly become self-sustaining within the community. People model acceptable behaviours and, in turn, influence others. It’s contagious in the best way.
Art is a bridge it allows people to connect with themselves, with each other, and with a larger sense of purpose.
Toi Ora offers over 20 different art classes, spanning visual arts, music, printmaking, and photography. The studio also curates exhibitions, collaborates with local galleries, and organises field trips—ensuring that its artists are not only creating but also engaging with the wider arts community. Art is a bridgeIt allows people to connect with themselves, with each other, and with a larger sense of purpose.
The Impact of Toi Ora
Toi Ora is particularly intentional in its support for Māori artists, recognising that in indigenous cultures, art is an intrinsic part of life. Cultural identity and self-expression are intertwined, and building new neural pathways through creativity builds a sense of self.
Our success is not anecdotal—it is measurable. The cost of a two-hour art class is a fraction of what is spent on acute mental health care, yet the impact is profound and long-lasting.
Science, culture, and community in action
