Senses embraced in new creative space

Tokoroa is about to get an art space which would not seem out of place at New Zealand’s national museum Te Papa.

The South Waikato Achievement Trust, which supports people with disabilities to achieve their goals through the likes of employment, social interaction, and creativity, is putting together an interactive sensory room in the former Art Space building in Bridge St next to Creative Arts.

The room will allow visitors to experience all five senses through the various installations on offer which have been created from recycled and repurposed materials.

Team leader Rachael Campbell said the aim of the project was to showcase how the trust utilises donated resources which allow people with disabilities to be stimulated, motivated and experience new things.

‘‘It’s for the community to be able to see what we do and everybody can come and experience it,’’ she said.

‘‘It is all about how to be inclusive, there will be things to touch, see, hear, and taste, and people will be able to interact with it all.’’

‘‘We will have a darkroom with fibre optic lights, scent bags with things inside such as lavender and herbs, magnetic fridge doors which have been painted with scenes for people to be able to stick magnets on, Humpty Dumpty’s wall made out of off cuts from Footes Furnishing and Flooring, an interactive games area, an old stereo for records, and a pallet sensory garden with the likes of herbs and lettuce which the Tokoroa Community Gardens will be part of,’’ she said.

She said groups from out of town have already expressed their interest in viewing the space which she said was suitable for infants through to adults.

‘‘We hope this is going to be something people will go wow, we want to see this,’’ she said.

Campbell said it was also important to work on such projects to encourage the trust’s volunteers.

She said high school and alternative education groups have also been helping out.

‘‘A lot of people are coming to join us and we welcome people to come and have a look at the different stages,’’ she said.

The sensory room officially opens on Friday, October 14 and it will be open Monday to Friday from 10am until 3pm. People will also be able to hire the space on Saturdays.

Entry is $2 per person.