“During COVID-19 lockdown my young clients felt alone, without our regular connections or access to creativity, their mental health was at risk and I felt helpless. I imagined a scenario where art materials were made accessible to youth. Where creative wellbeing specialists would provide crucial wellbeing connection points. And I imagined artists being trained to extend the knowledge and reach of creative wellbeing. And so, My Art Bag was born.”
Asha Munn, founder: My Art Bag
We’re on a mission to bring creative wellbeing to young people in Aotearoa so they can:
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Grow up healthy, educated and connected to their community
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Learn new skills to help them manage life’s challenges
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Enjoy a lifelong relationship with the arts.
My Art Bag was founded as a direct response to COVID-19 pandemic; the arts sector was in pain like never before mental health for youth was already in a state of emergency, and it has been increasingly exacerbated by the pandemic. Only an innovative model that still manages to honour deep connection and relationships would make a difference. A intervention that also upholds the power of creativity, letting art do the REAL work. The question of a one-to-many model, built around authentic relationships, is complex. Striking the balance will be our challenge and getting it right is our dream.
We believe in our mahi to make an enduring difference not only toyouth mental health across Aotearoa, but also the arts sector. Our rangatahi are helping us to utilise creativity to design and test the dream.
If this project resonates with you, we would love to chat, please get in touch.
My Art Bag is a partnership with the Manatū Taonga | Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Putanga Toi ki | Arts Access Aotearoa, Augusto, Creative New Zealand, Activate Tamaki Makaurau, Kaipatiki Youth Deveopment Trust, Whitecliffe, Oranga Tamariki, WDHB, highschools, Alternative Education, The Harvest Room, and Youth Aid.
