About Wayfind Creative

Wayfind Creative is an exciting programme for creatives who are ready to transform their talents into a sustainable and deeply rewarding career.

We provide the expertise and momentum to help you build the non-creative skills you need to thrive in your creative journey. Creativity is your strength and we’re here to help with everything else!

Programme Highlights

Cultivate an Entrepreneurial Mindset: Learn essential business skills tailored for creative careers. From marketing yourself to navigating finances, to applying for funding and sponsorship, we provide the tools to help you succeed.

In-person workshops and flexible online learning: Facilitated sessions and digital modules designed to spark vision and goal-setting and inspire creative strategies.

Personalised mentorship: Work one-on-one with experienced creative entrepreneurs to refine goals and turn your ideas into actionable plans.

Creative Community connections: Join a vibrant network of creatives across diverse disciplines – including musicians, performing artists, film-makers, animators, ceramicists, weavers, sculptors, and more!

We empower you to confidently tackle challenges and leave with a clear, actionable roadmap for a career that aligns with your values and aspirations.

And it doesn’t stop there – you’ll become part of an alumni of over 400 like-minded creatives who understand your journey.

Unlock your creative potential with Wayfind Creative!

Make an Enquiry

DEPOT and Youth Arts New Zealand have teamed up to offer a FREE programme designed for young creatives who want to turn their passion into a sustainable business or side hustle.

Programme Details:

We’re offering two separate cohorts so you can choose a weekend that works for you:

28 – 30 March 2025
11 – 13 April 2025

Location: Whare Toi Artspace, 24 Kerr St, Devonport, Auckland 0642
Cost: FREE (Spaces are limited)
Applications Close: Sunday 2 March 2025, 11.59pm

Whether you’re juggling multiple gigs or just starting out, this programme will give you the skills, confidence, and connections to turn your creativity into a viable and fulfilling career.

What You’ll Learn:

How to set your vision and goals
Build a personal brand that stands out.
Finance essentials for a creative entrepreneur or freelancer.
Level up your marketing skills and grow your social media presence.
Understand how to protect your work: copyright, royalties, and IP.
Explore A.I. in creative careers.

You’ll also connect with a community of like-minded emerging creatives who are on the same journey.

This programme is perfect for you if:

You’re a creative aged 16 – 30 and ready to take the next step.
You’re passionate about your creative practice and are already creating or sharing your work.
You’re ready to turn your creative goals into action and figure out how to make a living doing what you love.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Apply Now

Make an Enquiry

DEPOT and Waiheke Community Art Gallery thank the Lottery Grants Board and Foundation North for empowering us to deliver Wayfind Creative on Waiheke.

DEPOT and Waiheke Community Art Gallery present Wayfind Creative on Waiheke, designed to help emerging to established local creatives build sustainable, fulfilling careers.

Start date: 7 March 2025
Cost: $450
Location: Waiheke Community Art Gallery, 2 Korora Rd, Waiheke Island

Limited spaces available

This unique 9-week programme combines in-person workshops, online learning modules, personalised mentorship, and networks, empowering you with the tools, confidence, and fresh perspectives to grow and succeed in your creative career.

What You’ll Gain:

Practical skills in key areas like vision setting, marketing, social media, project planning, finance, funding and navigating the gig economy.
Flexible online learning to fit around your schedule.
Personalised mentorship from experienced creative entrepreneurs.
Connections with a vibrant network of creatives on Waiheke.

This programme is perfect for you if:

You’re a Waiheke-based creative.
You’re passionate about your creative practice and are actively creating or sharing your work.
You’re ready to strengthen the business side of your practice to build a sustainable, long-term career.
You’re looking for a clear plan to turn your creative goals into action and make a living from what you love.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

With hands-on workshops, flexible online modules, and personalised mentoring, Wayfind Creative gives you everything you need to take your creative career to the next level!

Apply Now

Make an Enquiry

DEPOT and Waiheke Community Art Gallery thank the Lottery Grants Board and Foundation North for empowering us to deliver Wayfind Creative on Waiheke.

Wayfind Creative is supported by Creative NZ.

This programme is for you if:

You are a creatively driven human being who’s committed to working hard.
You show a demonstrated commitment to your creative practice and have been actively creating/sharing work
You have industry experience, or a tertiary qualification (or both).
You’re seeking ongoing employment in the creative sector.
You’ve lost employment/self-employment income due to Covid-19.
You’re looking for support to develop business/marketing/other skills to develop a sustainable career in the creative sector.
You may/may not be receiving Work and Income payments – full or supplementary benefit.
You are between the ages of 18-64 years.
You live in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

What to expect:

Develop a personal plan that suits you, that will supercharge your creative project or lifelong creative goals!
Jump on board a series of expertly designed workshops and study modules covering practical essentials of running a creative business.
Learn how to expand your reach through social media.
Get the down low on how to successfully apply for funding or grants.
Have the opportunity to connect with mentors and professionals in your creative industry.
Share your journey with likeminded individuals and have the opportunity to form your own creative networks.
Make the most of peer-to peer support.
Have the opportunity to promote your Mahi!
Leave with a solid way forward and a plan to hit the ground running!

When you engage with Wayfind Creative, YOU lead the way. We take your needs and match it with our 25 years of experience working in this sector to strengthen your foundations, explore new paths, and create a better creative future for you!

Testimonials

“Wayfind Creative has been incredible for me to find the tools, knowledge and support for this stage of my career.”

AJ Reid

Videographer/Photographer/Graphic Artist

“What sort of business structure should I be doing? What should I be doing about my taxes?
These sorts of questions can be really intimidating as a creative but Wayfind Creative really helped me answer those questions.”

Clare Ahuriri-Dunning

Award Winning Game Designer