Artsenta, the First 30 Years

Artsenta is the name of the art studio specifically set up for those who use or have used mental health services. It was the brain-child of Dr Julia Aranui-Faed who believed that every human-being was innately creative – required for fulfilment was opportunity.

This history details the setting up of the studio (known first as the Creative Expression Unit, then Kimi-Ora, then at the move to Dunedin as 'Artsenta') which opened in the 1980s at Cherry Farm psychiatric hospital (where Dr Faed was 'Superintendent').

Artsenta offers a place for the enjoyment and sake of art alone. It is not set up for therapeutic purposes, though likely therapeutic outcomes occur (just as they do when any of the nation take part in enjoyable pursuits). To quote an artist (and all participants at Artsenta are referred to as artists), 'Artsenta is much more than a day programme of art. I walk in the door and my diagnosis is left behind. This is not a place of therapy but it is therapeutic for my soul. I am drawn into a creative world... It is a place where I have access to a whole world outside myself and access to the artistic world inside my soul.'

Artsentavery readable, lively account traces the history of those whose leadership and vision has successfully weathered 30 years. It is a history not only pertaining to Otago or NZ, but for possibilities in psychiatric care and opportunities where-ever they are needed. In the Foreword, Stephanie du Fresne (retired psychiatrist and a former Chairperson of the Creative Arts Trust – which governs Artsenta) notes: 

'This is a very important book, particularly for those who use and those who work in human services, and for policy-makers who influence the shape of those services.' She further adds that 'art can flourish in the presence of mental health issues' and that what facilitates that growth 'is a place that does not strive for people to achieve readiness for paid employment or cease to use mental health services, but provides instead for a wholeness...'

The book is recommended for all Libraries (including High Schools), all who work in psychiatric care, social/counselling services and all who are interested in history. It records some of the first public available data regarding the description and workings of Cherry Farm Hospital.

Books are available (locally) from Artsenta (426 Princes St.); UBS; Paper Plus; the Dunedin Art Gallery; Toitu Early Settlers Museum; and from the author kathb@earthlight.co.nz. Wheelers and Neilson books have it listed for sale.

All proceeds from the sale of the book go to Artsenta.