Year 12 and 13 Visual Arts students from Waitākere College recently took part in a three-day programme across Tāmaki Makaurau, gaining a rich insight into the many ways artists, designers, and curators work. The trip began with a visit to the Samoa House Library, where acclaimed photographer Edith Amituanai spoke about her practice and its connections to community. Students then took part in an adornment workshop with Benjamin Work, exploring how cultural symbols can be expressed through wearable art, and heard from designer Katie Kerr about the process of bookmaking.

Day two focused on connections between art history and contemporary practice. At the McCahon House Museum, students reflected on the legacy of Colin McCahon before meeting current artist-in-residence Matt Galloway, who shared his experiences of working in such a significant site. At Te Uru Gallery, curator James Gatt led a tour and discussion on how exhibitions are shaped, and the day concluded with a visit to Objectspace, where architect and exhibition designer Michael McCabe gave insight into the relationship between architecture, drawing, and display.

On the final day, students participated in a Drawing Machines Workshop, toured multiple galleries on Karangahape Road, and visited the Extended Whānau design studio, before gathering for a reflection session. Across the three days, students were challenged to think critically about what art can be, who it is for, and how it connects to wider communities.

This was a valuable and thought-provoking opportunity, inspiring students to see new possibilities in their own creative work and deepening their understanding of Aotearoa’s dynamic art world.