Starting on Sunday, the Ōtepoti Youth Space has created two weeks of amazing events for you includingartworks, creative workshops, gigs, kai and wellbeing clinics. This is to coincide with our national Youth Week.

A launch event will take place on Sunday 8 May from 2pm and will feature an exhibition of youth art, live music, dance and kai. Special guest, Jane Zintl, CEO of Youth Week/Ara Taiohi will speak at the opening.

The pop-up youth space aims to celebrate the talent of your generation.

Located on Princes Street at the Community Gallery and neighbouring performance space Te Whare o Rukutia, the Ōtepoti Youth Space will have a focus on creativity and community connections.

It’s going to be a welcoming hangout space, open each day from 3pm-6:30pm, a d will feature a range of activities each afternoon with youth mentors on hand to korero with you.

There are free workshops each afternoon, presented by youth organisations, ranging from stencil art, slam poetry, zine making, hip hop and drumming.

Friday and Saturday nights are open late until 9pm and feature an open mic night and youth bands.

“This a great opportunity for rangatahi to express themselves and for us all to celebrate the role young people play in the community in a positive and supportive way,” says Ōtepoti Youth Space coordinator, Jo Taylor.

“Young people have been telling us they want more youth friendly spaces so we would love to see young people make the most of this opportunity. Now’s the time to get involved.”

The initiative is being facilitated by a collective of creative and youth organisations and has been supported by the Otago Community Trust, the Creative Communities Scheme and Dunedin Casino Charitable Trust.

The full programme is available on the Ōtepoti Youth Space Facebook page. More information also attached below.