Tohu: a digital gallery empowering artists with mental distress

Tohu will be a digital 3D gallery space and shop to showcase the artists' work and voices. Our goal is to create a place for interaction with diverse audiences in Aotearoa and beyond. Artists' lives will be transformed through gaining new skills, connecting with new audiences, and earning income from the sale of their work.  

Belonging to a creative community is a catalyst for change - from being defined by mental distress, to a new identity as an artist. Opportunities to exhibit are an essential part of this evolving identity. Exhibiting takes bravery. "Exhibitions break through anxiety and depression, and place my essence on display for the world to see."

Tohu will tell the powerful story of how creativity fuels wellbeing, with the potential to unlock creativity as a tool for others.

By supporting us, you'll help create momentum for change in how we approach mental health in Aotearoa. We want to see a mental health system that's powered by creativity.

Creating impact

Tohu will be a platform for artists and the community, so accessibility and interaction will be at the heart of the design. The digital gallery will inspire artists to push boundaries with their creativity, to take risks and to engage more with the public.

The digital gallery will enable us to take exhibitions to the next level. Artists will feel safe to voice what matters to them, having the digital interface as a buffer. Our creative community will be strengthened, with more artists taking a leadership role and involved in curating exhibitions. We will increase the number of artists who have the opportunity to exhibit, boosting their confidence and motivating them to keep creating. Artists will earn income, and our organisation will be more sustainable as a result.

The project was called for by the artists, who want to see their work appreciated by a wider audience.

Creativity not only changes lives, it saves lives. “Today I’ve got something to live for. I try and do art every day because it keeps me well. That’s what it’s given me – life, and friends.”

Who we are

Ōtautahi Creative Spaces is a creative community of people with experience of mental distress - together, we’re getting creative with mental health. We create space for people to thrive – by igniting aspirations, brokering opportunities and backing people on their creative journey. With studios at the Phillipstown Community Hub, we have around 80 participating artists from 18 – 75 years. 

Five artists from our creative community will drive the project, with support from director Kim Morton. Digital whizzes Hamish Keown (Known Consulting) and Ana Craw (Ana Craw Creative) will put the artists' vision into action. Artist Janneth Gil will run professional development workshops for artists in photographing, presenting and curating their work.

The funds

We’re raising money to cover the costs of:

• designing and creating a virtual gallery and shop
• platform costs for the first two years
• payments to the artist leadership group members
• training for artists in photography, curation and the digital world

Creating change

For us to ignite the artists’ aspirations we need a dynamic, interactive, online art gallery. Without your help, we will be stuck with our current website, which isn’t up to the job!