Education

Explore, Engage, Create

Our education programmes are FREE!

Our education programmes create meaningful learning opportunities inside the Gallery, bringing together people and art by embracing, sharing and unlocking creativity, imagination and exploration. Working closely with diverse communities and learning partners, we share knowledge and experiences to foster deeper understanding  through art, connection, and aroha. 

We think it’s essential that all kids and students should be able to have a meaningful and exciting learning experience in the Gallery. If costs are a barrier to your school visit, please get in touch with us via the booking form and ask about our teacher relief fees and transport subsidies.

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Matariki education programme

This Matariki, book your school group in for a special Matariki programme inspired by Guide Kaiārahi, the shimmering crystal waka that can be seen outside the main entrance to Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Guide Kaiārahi is by our 2026 Studio Artist, Reuben Paterson (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāi Tūhoe, Tūhourangi, Scotland) and invites us on an exploration of Matariki and the stars above. 

Designed for years 0 to 13, our Matariki programme explores how Guide Kaiārahi takes us on a journey of remembering our past, and the stories that have come before us, while also encouraging us to look ahead toward our future hopes and dreams. 

Get creative and book our hands-on studio programme, developed by Paterson, which plays with imaginative space exploration and ephemeral moments.

Join us in the Gallery to learn about the Matariki cluster and how art can help us discover stories that we hold, tell and carry with us. Get in touch with us to enquire about booking a Matariki education programme this year.

Our Matariki programme joins forces with Auckland’s cultural institutions to create a journey through the stars

Six of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s leading cultural organisations have collaborated to bring schools a suite of Matariki education programmes – each one rooted in te ao Māori and woven around the nine whetū of the Matariki cluster. Consider one, several or all to give your tamariki a truly connected journey through the stars!

Each programme has been developed independently but speaks to a shared kaupeka – a unified season of learning that honours Matariki as a time of reflection, connection and growth. From ECE to Years 0-8 and beyond, there’s a programme designed for your ākonga. Discover what other cultural institutions are offering this Matariki season:

Education programmes by level

We offer interactive education programmes and self-guiding resources to suit all levels of ākonga (students), from early childhood to tertiary, across the learning areas. 
  • 20-minute food break to start your visit.
  • 40 minutes of playful Gallery exploration with a facilitator, discovering artworks with creative interactive activities.
  • Up to 30 Tamariki per programme.
  • Usually runs from 10am-11am.

  • 1-hour gallery exploration: Your ākonga will join our Learning Facilitators on an interactive tour of the Gallery, stopping at a few key works to complete creative activities and have engaging kōrero. We can have up to 75 students in this programme at once and can run multiple sessions in one day if you can stagger your arrival.
  • 2-hour gallery exploration and studio workshop inspired by artist Reuben Paterson: In this programme your ākonga will spend half their time on an interactive tour, and half their time in our studio completing a hands-on workshop. This programme has a limit of 60 students at a time, so we would need to spread your visit out to accommodate higher numbers or large classes. This programme runs from 9.50am-12pm.


Secondary 100-minute deep dive into art

We’re excited to share that the 2026 studio programme is inspired by artist Reuben Paterson. In collaboration with the education team he has transformed our studio and produced workshops inspired by his artist practice.

  • 50-minute interactive tour with a learning facilitator in the Gallery, exploring various artworks through engaging activities and discussions.
  • 50-minute hands-on workshop in the studio, allowing students to engage with creative processes inspired by their learning in the Gallery.
  • This programme has a limit of 60 students at a time, so we would need to spread your visit out to accommodate higher numbers or large classes.
  • This programme typically runs from 9.50am-12pm.

Secondary 1-hour art investigation (no studio)

  • 1-hour interactive tour with a learning facilitator in the Gallery, exploring various artworks through discussions and activities.
  • We can have up to 75 students in this programme at once and can run multiple sessions in one day if you can stagger your arrival.

1 hour with a facilitator in the Gallery, exploring various artworks and responding to artworks with creative interactive activities.

Education groups are always welcome to self-guide in the Gallery. Send us an enquiry, and we can help find the best time for your visit and provide more information to ensure a successful experience.

Kids + Whānau Explore: We have activity booklets and trails for exploring the Gallery as well as activities to complete at home. Find them in the brochure racks on the gallery floor! 

Studio Artist 

Reuben Paterson (b. 1973, Auckland, New Zealand: Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāi Tūhoe, Tūhourangi, Scottish) is our 2026 studio artist. In collaboration with our education team, he has transformed the studio and produced primary and secondary workshops inspired by his artist practice. The world-bending art of Reuben Paterson reaches back to his childhood experiences of the glistening waters and sparkling black sands of Tamaki Makaurau's West Coast. His signature use of glitter carries all these memories and the people, presences, and histories to which they connect. Always pushing what he describes as the 'limitless' material and conceptual possibilities of glitter, Paterson's paintings, sculptures, animations, and installations share an optical energy that harnesses the mesmerizing effects of pattern, colour and texture.

Artland: An Installation by Do Ho Suh and children

Artland: An Installation by Do Ho Suh and children is a collaborative, hands-on creative environment shaped by Do Ho Suh and his young daughters. We welcome schools to explore Artland as part of their learning experience. To see how this interactive clay installation can be included in your upcoming school visit, please get in touch below. 

Getting in touch

We look forward to hosting your education group at the Gallery and can help you choose the right programme to suit your learning needs. Contact us using the button below, and we will reply soon.

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Sign up for our education newsletter

Sign up for our regular education newsletter and stay updated with our education programmes, news and resources.

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Our school programmes are Enriching Local Curriculum (ELC) based, supported by the Ministry of Education and facilitated by experienced teachers and art educators. The Sir William and Lady Lois Manchester Charitable Trust provides further support for removing barriers for schools and students.