Toi Ora now has two Artist Liaisons with Bailey Wiley joining the team. A musician herself, she knows the healing power of creativity and is currently studying towards a masters in art therapy
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
I identify as Pākehā and I was born in beautiful Taranaki. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of living all across the motu, which has shaped my understanding of Aotearoa’s diverse communities and cultures. By trade, I am a musician and have been actively involved in the Aotearoa music industry for the past 15 years. This creative journey has deeply informed who I am, both personally and professionally.
Currently, I’m completing my Master’s in Creative Arts Therapy, with the goal of becoming a registered Creative Arts Therapist by the end of 2025. This mahi is where my heart truly lies, at the intersection of creativity, healing, and connection. I bring with me a lived experience and a strong passion for working in the creative disability space. I’m committed to inclusive, strengths-based, and culturally responsive practices that honour the unique voices and stories of the people I work with. I have a deep passion for the creative disability space, and my approach is person-centred and grounded in the belief that creativity is a powerful vehicle for expression, empowerment, and transformation.
What drew you to Toi Ora and this role as Artist Liaison?
My initial connection with Toi Ora was through the collaboration with Home Ground and the City Mission, where I supported the facilitation of the Wednesday morning painting kaupapa. When I saw the Toi Ora Artist Liaison position advertised online, I was immediately excited by the opportunity to apply and join the team. I was drawn to the Toi Ora kaupapa and the creative, community-focused mahi.
What are you most excited about working at Toi Ora?
I’m most excited about the opportunity to be part of a creative, inclusive, and values-driven space like Toi Ora. The kaupapa deeply aligns with my own passion for using the arts as a tool for connection, empowerment, and healing particularly within the mental health and disability space. I’m inspired by the way Toi Ora uplifts artists and fosters a sense of belonging and community. Being able to contribute to that environment, while continuing to grow both personally and professionally, feels incredibly meaningful to me.
What’s your first impression of the role so far?
My first impression of the role is that it’s dynamic, people-focused, and grounded in a strong sense of community and creativity. It seems to offer a meaningful balance between admin and relationship-building, with lots of room to support artists in a practical and mana-enhancing way. I’m excited by how collaborative the environment appears to be, and I can already sense that the mahi is deeply connected to purpose and wellbeing, which really resonates with me.
How would you describe how your creative practice affects your wellbeing?
My creative practice is essential to my wellbeing. It keeps me grounded, focused, and connected to my sense of purpose. Through music and art, I find space to explore and express myself in meaningful ways that enrich my life.
who’s your favourite artist and why?
It’s the whaiora I journey alongside and the expressive creations they bring to life. I’m really all about the process of art-making, the journey of expression and discovery. If a wonderful artwork emerges from that, it’s a beautiful gift, but it’s the process itself that I find most inspiring and meaningful.
What do you hope to achieve in the role of Artist Liaison?
I hope to achieve meaningful connections between artists and the organisation, supporting their creative journeys and ensuring their voices are heard and valued. I want to help create an environment where artists feel empowered, inspired, and supported to explore and share their work. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to an inclusive, and collaborative creative community that uplifts everyone involved.
