The Creative Thinking Project is proud to mark the launch of Wellington’s Te Ora Auaha Creative Wellbeing Alliance Aotearoa, a national network which focuses on the links between the arts, creativity and wellbeing.
Peter O’Connor, professor in the Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Auckland, says, “There are excellent examples of the arts being used to promote health and wellbeing in New Zealand hospitals, schools, community-based creative spaces, communities and prisons. However, we don’t have the level of research, policy and investment that our international peers have.”
“It’s a long game – research clearly says there’s a link between the arts and creativity and better health and wellbeing so, ultimately, if we can have a healthier New Zealander, that’s the gain. If we want a happier and healthier New Zealand, then we need to recognise the arts have a significant role to play in that.”
* Te Ora Auaha is funded through the Creative Thinking Project and the Working Together More Fund with support from Creative New Zealand and Arts Access Aotearoa.
Te Ora Auaha on RNZ’s Standing Room Only, Voxy & The Big Idea
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