Primary learning | Kura kaupapa
We have two options for primary school groups, each offering students engaging ways to explore art with interactive activities and opportunities for creativity.
Early childhood education | Kohanga reo
Bring your tamariki, kōhungahunga or little ones for a creative Gallery visit with interactive, multi-sensory ways to explore art together. Our early childhood programme is free and designed to spark curiosity, imagination and connection.
2-hour Gallery exploration and studio workshop
- Designed for: Years 1 to 8.
- Includes: 50-minute interactive and creative Gallery exploration with an educator; 50-minute workshop designed by our studio artist each year exploring hands-on making; 20-minute food break.
- Add-ons: explore the Gallery further with self-guided Gallery Games (available in English, te reo Māori and simplified Chinese).
- Delivery options: A version for Māori-medium education is available.
- Capacity: 60 students maximum.
1-hour interactive Gallery exploration
- Designed for: Years 1 to 8.
- Includes: 1-hour interactive and creative Gallery exploration with an educator.
- Delivery options: A version for Māori-medium education is available.
- Capacity: 75 students maximum, depending on exhibition capacity.
Secondary learning | Kura kaupapa
Our programme options for secondary groups allow students to go deeper into art exploration and get creative with their own art practice. We use interactive discussions and hands-on activities to spark conversation and curiosity.
2-hour art deep dive and studio workshop
- Designed for: Years 9 to 13.
- Includes: 50-minute interactive conversation with an educator; 50-minute workshop designed by our studio artist each year.
- Add-ons: explore the Gallery further with self-guided Gallery Games (available in English, te reo Māori and simplified Chinese).
- Delivery options: A version for Māori-medium education is available.
- Capacity: 60 students maximum.
1- hour art investigation
- Designed for: Years 9 to 13.
- Includes: 1-hour interactive conversation around the Gallery with an educator
- Add-ons: explore the Gallery further with self-guided Gallery Games (available in English, te reo Māori and simplified Chinese).
- Delivery options: A version for Māori-medium education is available.
- Capacity: 75 students maximum, depending on exhibition capacity.
Tertiary learning | Whare wānanga
Our tertiary programmes allow students to explore their own practice and interests whether that’s deepening their own art practice, exploring art history or learning more about curation.
Special offerings for tertiary students
We can arrange a university kick-off day in the Gallery for tertiary students. First-year students are invited to the Gallery to learn from curators, conservators, archivists and other professionals. Students will get insights into how the Gallery works and how they can use it as a resource during their studies and beyond.
University staff are invited to contact us to enquire about university kick-off days.
University students can join us for a 1-hour close-looking session, where they will unpack one artwork alongside an educator and curator.
If you are a university professor or teacher, contact us to enquire about booking a salon for your students.
Contact us to enquire.
Meet our studio artist
Each year, a studio artist helps the education team develop our primary and secondary student workshops. Each year’s programmes are inspired by the artist’s practice and process to give students a fresh perspective on making art.
The 2026 studio artist is Reuben Paterson (born 1973, Auckland, New Zealand: Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāi Tūhoe, Tūhourangi, Scottish). The world-bending art of Reuben Paterson reaches back to his childhood experiences of the glistening waters and sparkling black sands of Tāmaki Makaurau’s West Coast.
His signature use of glitter carries his memories and the people, presences and histories they are connected to. Always pushing what he describes as the ‘limitless’ possibilities of glitter, Paterson’s paintings, sculptures, animations and installations share a visual energy that explores mesmerising effects of pattern, colour and texture.
Paterson’s studio workshops for students this year are inspired by his artwork Guide Kaiārahi. Workshops explore light, water and ephemeral moments from our everyday lives.
Ko au te taiao, ko te taiao ko auI am the environment, the environment is me.
Annual theme
Our education programmes explore a new theme each year, which inspires students who participate in Kiritai | Beyond the Walls, Pat Hanly Creativity Project and other special projects throughout the year.
The 2026 annual theme is Ko au te taiao ko te taiao ko au – I am the environment and the environment is me. The theme connects identity to the environment, land, sky and water. It speaks to the water and other natural elements in all of us that are connected to the tides, seasons and moon phases – the emotional currents in us. The theme encourages students to think about how we are all connected to our environment – to our taiao (tides of the world).
Frequently asked questions for school groups
Yes! Tours of the Gallery’s permanent collection, workshops and programmes are free for schools. School tours for visiting exhibitions start at $10 per student.
Our school programmes are Enriching Local Curriculum (ELC) based, supported by the Ministry of Education and facilitated by experienced teachers and art educators.
The Gallery education programmes are generously supported by the Friedlander Foundation, the Open Doors for Schools Fund, the Sir William and Lady Lois Manchester Charitable Trust and the Four Winds Foundation.
If cost is a barrier to your school, contact the schools and learning team to see how we can help.
We ask that you book your school group for education programmes at least two weeks in advance of your preferred date.
School group tours of paid exhibitions must book at least two weeks in advance to receive the discounted rate.
We work to ensure our programme and spaces are as accessible as possible. Please let us know when booking if any students, teachers or parents require accessibility support and we will be in touch to discuss how we can help.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your school group booking, please email education@aucklandartgallery.com.
Our programmes for smaller tamariki include a kai break.
If there isn’t a food break included in the programme you’ve booked, please note that there is no food or drink permitted in the exhibition spaces. Make sure to let us know when booking if you are planning to stay in the Gallery to have kai with your group, to make sure there is an available space booked in for you.