About Us
At Creative Matters, we believe the seed of creativity lives in all of us. Our range of workshops, programmes and do-it-at-home box kits are designed to nurture that creative seed; developing imagination, problem solving skills and confidence. Our vision is to cultivate fun new ways to nurture our student’s sprouting imagination. Our expanding team of teachers, artists, musicians and designers are passionate about the power of creativity to make life more fun, interesting an fulfilling.
With a ‘life is about enjoying the journey’ mentality, the Creative Matters team bring you educational and and achievable ways to bring more creativity into your life.
The Creative Matters journey began with founder and Managing Director, Mandy Jakich.
Over her 15 years as a school teacher, Mandy could see that class time creativity was being squeezed out. But Mandy had a strong belief that the world needs more creative people to invent, imagine and think outside the box. As an artist herself, Mandy also felt that creativity is more than just art. It’s about living a fulfilling life and being inspired by the world.
So Mandy spent the next 4 years at Auckland Art Gallery running art programmes for teachers and students. Here, Mandy loved seeing the spark creative education ignited in her students, and wanted to make this available to everyone. And so Creative Matters was born.
A way to bring local, accessible and educational creative inspiration to kids, teens and adults. The vision is not about creating artists, it’s about planting a creative seed and watching it grow. Before long, word of mouth spread and Mandy’s classes were selling out. Teachers were knocking on her door wanting to be involved.
So Mandy’s idea spread across Auckland and Northland with workshops run by a passionate team of artists, designers and musicians all dedicated to the vision of bringing creative inspiration to all.
How you help children
At Creative Matters we create secure, nurturing, positive learning environments in which individuals can gain confidence and thrive.
We encourage creative and critical thinking and value the process of exploring, experimenting, creating, and reflecting.
With our passionate and experienced tutors, we give opportunities for children to make connections with others and build positive relationships in a safe, happy environment.
Physical environment
Our workshops are run in schools and community venues and are easily accessible with plenty of parking. New communities are being targeted most terms as Creative Matters spreads the good arts word around NZ.
We communicate openly with children, parents, and families. Your children will learn and thrive in a warm, positive, calm, nurturing environment. They’ll love it!
Find out more about us here:
www.creativematters.co.nz
https://www.facebook.com/creativemattersart/
https://www.instagram.com/creative_matters/
Services
- Art Workshops
- After School Programmes
- Holiday programmes
- Exploration of the entire creative process (thinking, exploring, experimenting, creating, reflecting)
Services
- Art Workshops
- After School Programmes
- Holiday programmes
- Exploration of the entire creative process (thinking, exploring, experimenting, creating, reflecting)
“Just wanted to let you know that my daughter has gained so much from your art workshop for teenagers. Admittedly her first reaction of “I’m no good at art” was not encouraging but she quickly moved past this. There have been so many positive outcomes, from her positive interaction with a varied social group, a realisation of the creativity inside her and the growth in her confidence. I love the shared dinner, it is so great from a social perspective (especially as it’s one less meal to cook!) and we will be first in the queue if you run this great workshop again.”
Parent
We have done a number of Mandy’s school holiday programmes and we have also attended her weekly visual art classes for some time now. My children love their time with Mandy and they produce fantastic pieces that I would have never been able to do with them. They have learnt solid and very creative skills to now create their own work at home as well, which they are inspired to do everyday thanks to Mandy’s warm, encouraging, inspirational and fun approach. She includes projects around famous artists and history which gives the kids a broader understand of the world and art. A week would not be complete without a session with Mandy. She’s a great find for those looking for an art teacher to expand and grow their children’s art skills.
Cara
I love Mandy’s philosophy, her classes are creative, encouraging and fun. Both my kids have participated in a selection of Creative Matters classes over the past 2 years – they always return home after art class inspired, happy and relaxed.
Monique
