When Skillwise art facilitator Bev Lowen dreamed of creating a dedicated art space for Skillwise clients, she was determined that its key focus would be on art, not disability.

Fostering inclusion, self-determination and learning practices were also important factors, as well as the dream to make it accessible to all by eventually opening it up to the wider community.

In 2013 with help and support from her employer, Art Access Aotearoa and the Think Differently Fund, the vision for such a space became a reality and so The White Room was born.

Since then the creative space has been going from strength to strength, in fact so much so the project is now taking steps to fling open its doors to the wider community.

“This has always been on the long term plan and we’re pretty excited about moving into full integration. It’s been a long road getting to where we are, but definitely a rewarding one, “Bev says.

Looking back on the process Bev says sometimes she finds it hard to believe how far they have come since the project’s inception.

“To think that we used to operate the art class out of the gym and have to pack it up each night, to now having a dedicated space is just so fantastic. I think it really makes a difference because it doesn’t take long for our clients to settle into the environment so they have more time to just get on to what they like doing the most.”

Having a dedicated space has also paid off in other ways too with the project securing an artist in residence which is a collaborative venture between themselves and the University of Canterbury.

Local artists offering taster workshops have also become a regular feature and are well received by the 60 or so budding artists that flock through the doors each week.

“It great having these taster workshops because not only are they informative, but it also gives us a chance to see which areas our clients are most interested in pursuing, which makes it much easier for us to come up with an individual art plan for each of them – something we do with all our artists.”

In terms of The White Room being of benefit to clients, Bev says she has noticed many.

For starters watching the artists’ confidence levels grow has been inspiring, while other mentionable achievements included some of The White Room artists exhibiting their work and/or putting their works up for sale.

“To be part of this project and the positive changes it is bringing makes me feel very proud of all of our artists, as well as the staff who are involved, “ Bev says.

“We really look forward to moving and evolving with this project in our quest to make the wonderful world of art accessible to all.”