Our Story — Art For Life

Art for Life is a charity and creative studio that breaks down barriers to making art for people with learning disabilities and other under-served members of the community.

We provide an inclusive space where creativity can thrive, encouraging self-expression, celebrating artistic talent, and promoting greater access to and participation in the arts.

Our creative studio is a welcoming space where artists can access quality materials, professional support, and the freedom to explore their creativity in a safe, inclusive, and judgement-free environment.

Working with our experienced art tutors and volunteers, students are encouraged to experiment with different mediums, develop new skills, and discover their own creative voice while being part of a vibrant and supportive artistic community.

We create opportunities for artists to share their work and connect with the wider community through through an annual art exhibitions that showcase their work and by promoting and and selling student artwork on the website.

By nurturing creativity and celebrating artistic expression, we help artists build confidence, develop a sense of purpose and belonging, and form meaningful connections with others. In turn, our community gains the opportunity to experience, appreciate, and celebrate the unique talents and perspectives of the artists we support.

Who we are / what we do

Finding the creative spirit in every person

Creative Expression To provide a safe, inspiring, and relaxed environment where students can freely express their ideas and feelings through painting, drawing, and mixed media

Inclusion To ensure equitable and accessible artistic opportunities for all students, regardless of background or ability

Confidence & Connection To foster self-confidence, build life skills, and encourage social connection within the community

Visibility To celebrate student achievements, most notably through their annual community exhibition where artists are invited to sell their work

In our tranquil riverside studio, we celebrate each artist’s journey, honouring their stories and nurturing a community where every person’s light can shine

Our mission

The Trust was established by Romanian artist, Loane (pronouced ‘John’) whose studio was based in the Cranmer Centre, the former Christchurch Girls' High School. His vision was to encourage people with disabilities to express their imagination and creativity through art. The original classes were known as "Your Studio".

In the early 2000s, John and his wife moved to Oamaru to establish a similar programme. Rather than see the Trust close, the parents of students came together to form a new Trust Board, bringing expertise in disability support, autism, nursing, residential services and accounting.

Among the new tutors was Ken Hall, who later became Assistant Curator at Christchurch Art Gallery, along with Julie, an American artist who was in New Zealand on a working holiday. During this period, students began exhibiting their work through IHC.

When Ken moved on, Steve Motley, who had recently arrived from Wales, joined as tutor. Drawing on his experience teaching people with disabilities, Steve helped the Trust grow, supported by a dedicated group of volunteers. The Trust operated from the Arts Centre until the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake forced its closure.

Several of those volunteers went on to make significant contributions to disability arts. Victoria Bennett continued teaching art in Rangiora, while Anh Que established the Art for Life Trust, initially running classes from her home studio before moving into temporary premises following the earthquakes. Trust Board member Fiona Walker also helped sustain art classes through the Delta Community Trust.

As Art for Life continued to develop, long-time supporter John Ruane helped establish the organisation as a charitable trust and brought together its Board of Trustees. The Trust subsequently moved to premises on Worcester Street before relocating, three years ago, to its current home on Fifield Terrace.

Our history

In 2024, Anh Que, founder and head tutor of the Art for Life Trust in Christchurch, retired from the organisation. Following her retirement, principal art tutor Tracy Hay assumed the role.

Anh Que