“Knowledge is life and a cure.” - Imam Ali Radiyallahu anh

We warmly invite you to join a creativity group for Muslim women. It’s a culturally diverse group, and a safe place to relax in each other's company, to explore your creative world and to celebrate Muslim culture.

The group meets weekly in a colourful art studio which is calm and welcoming with opportunities to be in the comforting embrace of nature. We open sessions with du’a, an Islamic prayer of supplication, and whakatauki.

Although we lead activities, it is not an art class, more of a shared studio session where play, experimentation and having fun is encouraged. You don’t have to have experience to take part, just curiosity and being open to try things.

Artforms include drawing, painting, printmaking, mosaics, fabric work, embroidery, calligraphy, batik, sculpture, pottery and using treasures found in nature. Guest Muslim artists share their work and lead workshops.

We go on visits together to Christchurch Art Gallery and Rekindle, a craft making place at the Arts Centre, and into nature. There’s a world of possibilities!

What does it cost?

It is free to join, and art materials are provided.

Do I need a referral?

No, a formal referral is not needed, but you can choose to be supported to join by an organisation or family member.

How can I join?

We have a welcome and registration process, where we talk about your needs, what will make you feel safe, and what you’d like to try. The information we ask you for helps us know how to support you and is kept confidential.

Do I have to come every week?

We encourage you to come each week if you can, because that is the way you will get most out of it. But there is no pressure – if you can’t make it, we’ll understand.

Do I have to stay for the whole session?

No, it is your choice how long you stay for. We start and end the session together as a group, which is a good way to get to know other people.

I find it hard to be in big groups.

That’s ok, the group is small, with between 4 and 8 people usually coming.

I’d really love to join in, but I can’t get into the studios. 

We can arrange a Suitcase Studio with everything you need to create at home. You can join Zoom groups, or we’ll call you to catch up on what you’re creating and give you encouragement and support.

Can I bring my family along?

We welcome family members taking part, please let us know in advance so we can make sure there’s room.

I need help with transport. Are you able to pick me up? 

We’re sorry that we aren’t able to provide transport to the Philipstown Hub. We can help by supplying bus tickets.

How do I know what’s coming up? 

We keep you posted through a What’s App group and a weekly email that comes out on a Friday. We also have a private facebook group for artists at Ōtautahi Creative Spaces – people use this to share what they’re working on and creative ideas. It’s a welcoming and inclusive space and can’t be seen by the public.

To find out more, please contact: 

Noraini Abbas Milne

022 584 3282

noraini@otautahicreativespaces.org.nz

Harakeke and Kowhai Studios Rooms 8 and 9

Phillipstown Hub, 39 Nursery Rd, Phillipstown