Toi Ora Live Art Trust

15/02/2026

Today Toi Ora is part of an important cover story in the Listener by Nicky Pellegrino. Nicky writes about how practising creativity makes us healthier and happier, and why art and engaging in artistic activities are essential for a functioning society. We're honoured to be part of this story sharing how creativity enhances wellbeing and saves lives. 💜

10/02/2026

✨🌈Congratulations to Mars! 🌈✨

The artist behind the light display on the Auckland Harbour Bridge for Auckland Pride, is our very own Mars Cook.

Illuminating the bridge in collaboration with Mandylights with q***r narratives that celebrate Takatāpui and Rainbow communities as well as honouring the 40th anniversary of the Homosexual Law Reform.

Mars’ bespoke light show will run 13 to 21 February, playing every 15 minutes from 9pm to midnight. 💜

Welcome to Toi Ora – Enhance your wellbeing through creativity. At Toi Ora, we provide a supportive and inclusive environment for people experiencing mental distress. Discover over 20 free classes in visual and performing arts, soak up open studio time...

05/02/2026

New class alert!

If you are based in Auckland, and you are supporting someone with a mental health condition, you could be eligible for our new class.

It's a painting, drawing and mixed media class - no experience is necessary!

Come along, feel the benefits of creativity and connect with others going through a similar experience.

27/01/2026

It costs $60 for a person to attend a Toi Ora creative class. *It costs $2000 for an overnight hospital stay.

Spaces to practice creativity and be with community are essential for the mental health system, and are proven to boost wellbeing.

22/01/2026

What do you see when you look at Toi Ora artist Nikki Dixon’s new mosaics?

I see waves rolling and crashing at the beach. 🌊

We love it Nikki, thanks for sharing!

20/01/2026

Have you seen our winning T-shirt design?

Each year Toi Ora runs a T-shirt design competition, and our latest winner is Zet!

“When I found out I won I was so excited, mixed with a decent sprinkling of nerves. Even as a child I loved a good competition, not for the sake of winning, but just for the fun of competing. I entered every competition I could growing up! It’s a real honour to have my work seen by so many people as part of a t-shirt. It’s also scary to have something that means so much to me be so visible!”

Zet expresses something many of us can relate to very well. ‘Good’ art can intimidate us from starting and attempting something creative, but Zet says the consistent practice at Toi Ora and gentle encouragement from staff helped them work on feelings of perfectionism.

Read Zet's story: https://toiora.org.nz/congrats-zet-wins-2025-toi-ora-t-shirt-design-competition/



Read Zet’s story:

19/01/2026

Kia Ora e te whānau,

Pick up an original piece of Toi Ora art for only $25! These tiles were created for Toi Ora's 30th anniversary, gifted by our artist to sell to give back. All proceeds go towards supporting Toi Ora to run our services.

Come buy some awesome art!

What: Community Art Sale
When: 2 - 20 February
Where: Toi Ora, 6 Putiki St Grey Lynn, Auckland

Come and support our community!

18/01/2026

This year we are gearing up to offer a new class.

Thanks to funding from Auckland Council and the Christine Taylor Foundation, we can deliver a new creative class for people with mental health conditions and their whānau or supporters.

Creativity in a community setting supports recovery, and we wanted to extend those neurological benefits to family, friends and supporters too.

If you are caring for someone with a mental health condition, and would like to do something positive, and take a creative class together, get in touch! Email us at info@toiora.org.nz

14/01/2026

Have you met a blind artist?

Meet Juliet, who is redefining visual art. When Toi Ora artist Juliet Jackson first lost her sight, she had to work hard to reinvent her creative outlet.

“I thought I could only be a shadow of my prior self. But I’ve found that’s not the case. All my creativity and interest in life have found new ways to show themselves. Becoming blind is part of who I am, and this journey gives me joy.”

Juliet is challenging perceptions of vision loss. Her artistic practice, as with all areas of her life, adapted. Juliet has a personal art station at Toi Ora, and her paint colours don’t move, they stay exactly where she left them.

Read Juliet’s story:

Juliet Jackson’s art is full of colour, movement, and words. Losing her sight later in life hasn’t stopped her from creating; if anything, it’s led her to adapt and expand her artistic practice. A lifelong passion for art Juliet grew up in Auckland and studied painting at Elam before later mov...

12/01/2026

Celebrating new art coming from our Printmaking artists exhibition.

Which is your favourite? I can see some themes of Kiwi summer with a big juicy strawberry and a bag of Bluebird salt and vinegar chips. Now take me to the beach! 🏖

31/12/2025

Ngā mihi o te tau hou 🥳✨💜

Wow, it’s 2026! We can’t wait to support all our Toi Ora whānau achieve their creative goals this year 🎨

24/12/2025

Meri Kirihimete Toi Ora whānau!

We love the word whānau. It’s so inclusive. Family can either be your blood relatives or the ones you choose.

If you need some whānau and community today, you can find it and some good kai at Merge Cafe or Auckland City Mission.

We’re sending good thoughts to all our Toi Ora whānau.

Zet said it best with her cards she made in the Toi Ora studio – Merry Catmas!