Learning Programmes for Schools
- Primary and Intermediate
All school programmes are free, except for clay workshops, which have a $2 materials fee per student.
Sessions run for 75–90 minutes and can be adapted to suit your class.
At The Suter, we believe art learning should inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection. Our 2026 programmes invite tamariki to explore big ideas through hands-on art experiences linked to the New Zealand Curriculum. Each visit includes an interactive gallery session and a practical art-making activity designed for all learning levels.
CHRISTOPHER ULUTUPU: NEW KID IN TOWN
20 March – 19 July 2026
In this vibrant 14-part video series filmed around Whakatū Nelson, artist Christopher Ulutupu (Samoan/Niuean/German) reimagines the familiar through playful storytelling. Using his own family as performers, he explores who gets to belong and be seen in familiar places. With bright Pacific energy, New Kid in Town celebrates identity, family, and community.
Students will connect these ideas to their own lives and create responses exploring family, place, and cultural rituals in our region.
Curriculum Connections: Visual Arts, Local Curriculum, Social Studies, English
THE ANAWEKA WAKA: A CELEBRATION IN CLAY
May – 10 October 2026
Explore the story of one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s oldest artefacts and discover contemporary ceramics. Students will:
Investigate the Anaweka Waka and its significance
Explore ceramic artworks and design ideas
Create a clay turtle to be fired and returned to school Cost: $2 per student (for clay and firing)
Curriculum Links: Aotearoa New Zealand Histories, Visual Arts, Technology
WE WERE YOUNG
16 May – 30 August 2026
Discover childhood in Aotearoa through photographs from the past 100 years. Students will:
Compare childhood experiences across generations
Learn photography and observation skills
Explore visual storytelling through images of family, play, and everyday life.
Curriculum Links: Visual Arts, Social Studies, English
BRINGING ART TO LIFE: EXPLORING THE SUTER’S COLLECTION THROUGH MOVEMENT AND DRAMA
1st August 2026 onward
An interactive workshop where students respond to artworks through movement, drama, and creative expression. Students will:
Explore artworks from The Suter’s collection
Create dramatic sequences inspired by art
Develop communication, gesture, and performance skills
Curriculum Areas: Visual Arts, English, Drama
IAN SCOTT: PAINTING NEW ZEALAND
12 September – 6 December 2026
Explore the colourful world of Ian Scott, where New Zealand art history meets pop culture. Students will:
Investigate how artists shape identity and place
Explore connections between historical and contemporary art
Create a mixed-media artwork inspired by Ian Scott’s style
Curriculum Links: Visual Arts, Aotearoa New Zealand Histories, Social Studies, English
Make a Booking
Please Note: These lessons are adaptable for all levels. We can discuss your specific lesson objectives and learning outcomes during the booking process. For bookings please complete the form below and for other queries contact Esther McNaughton, Suter Educator esther@thesuter.org.nz
Education Services at the Suter are supported by the Ministry of Education through Enriching Local Curriculum
