From prescriptions for paintings and poetry to over the counter doses of sculpture or scores; Art Chemist will offer creative means with which to tackle woes, gripes and the agonies of everyday life.

This free, interactive artwork draws on international studies which support the benefit of 'arts on prescription' for improving mental wellbeing as well as a desire to support and showcase the vibrant arts communities in our city.

Operating as a space somewhere between apothecary, therapist office and arts directory, the custom-designed clinic will be open for drop-ins and appointments from 11 am till 4 pm Thursday through to Sunday. On Friday evenings from 5-7 pm, Art Chemist will team up with The Green Lab to host a short series of interactive events in their space across the tram tracks inside Cathedral Junction.

Art Chemist is enabled by funding from the CCC Enliven Places Project Fund and Life in Vacant Spaces, with support from Phantom Billstickers, Studio Momentum and arts organisations around Ōtautahi.

Join us on Fridays from 5pm to 7pm for special free, all-ages art events across the way in the Green Lab space. 

  • Friday 30 April – Paint spinning
  • Friday 7 May – Poetry night and open mic
  • Friday 14 May – Costumed life drawing with art materials supplied