Artworks, creative workshops, gigs, wellbeing clinics and a warm welcome will greet rangatahi as they enter a pop-up central city youth space.Organisers are putting the finishing touches to a packed programme over the two-week initiative called Ōtepoti Youth Space, which coincides with national Youth Week.
The Ōtepoti Youth Space will be officially opened this Sunday with an event featuring an exhibition of youth art, live music, dance and kai.
Special guest Jane Zintl, Youth Week/Ara Taiohi chief executive, will speak at the opening.
The pop-up youth space aims to celebrate the talent of young people while providing information about opportunities and support available.
Located on Princes St 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.
A welcoming hangout space, open each day from 3pm to 6.30pm, it will feature a range of activities each afternoon with youth mentors on hand to korero with and support youth as needed.
Free workshops each afternoon, presented by youth organisations, range 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.
Ōtepoti Youth Space co-ordinator Jo Taylor said the project was 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".
"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.
