Join the New Zealand Art History Teachers’ Association (NZAHTA) and Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki for a free two-day conference dedicated to art history teaching and learning in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Taking place on 12 and 13 November 2026 at the University of Auckland and Auckland Art Gallery, this professional development opportunity invites art history teachers and kaiako to explore new perspectives, share teaching ideas and connect with others who share a passion for art and education.

Across two days, hear from art historians, educators and Gallery curators, discover resources and approaches to teaching art history, and deepen your understanding of artworks through expert-led talks and exhibition visits. Highlights include Picasso: Designed by Paul Smith, Ngā Taonga Tūturu: Treasured Māori Portraits and In Trust for Tomorrow: The Greg J Moyle Foundation Bequest.

Whether you're looking for fresh ideas to bring into the classroom or an opportunity to connect with fellow kaiako, this conference offers two days of learning, discussion and inspiration.

This conference is free to attend. Registration is required by Friday 6 November 2026 for catering purposes. Morning tea and lunch are provided on both days. Further arrival and access information will be provided to registered attendees.

Register via email

 

Conference programme

Day 1: Thursday 12 November 2026

Time: 9am to 3:15pm
Location: University of Auckland, Building 201

The first day focuses on art history teaching, curriculum development and sharing practical resources for the classroom.

The programme includes:

• Colorito versus Disegno: An Italian Renaissance Debate, a talk by Dr Katy Bond.
• Strategies and approaches for teaching art history.
• Exploring the context of the 'knowledge-rich' curriculum.
• Teaching resource kits and opportunities to share ideas with fellow educators.
• Guided tours of New Zealand artworks at the University of Auckland.

 

Day 2: Friday 13 November 2026

Time: 9am to 3:15pm
Location: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Arrival information: Please enter through the Gallery's main entrance on Kitchener Street. Registration begins at 9am, before the Gallery opens to the public.

Spend the second day at the Gallery, where curators will share insights into key exhibitions and artworks, offering new perspectives and connections to art history teaching and the curriculum.

Programme:

• 9am to 9:15am | Registration
• 9:15am to 9:30am | Welcome in the Gallery Auditorium
• 9:30am to 10:15am | Curator talk: Picasso: Designed by Paul Smith with Dr Sophie Matthiesson, Senior Curator, International Art
• 10:15am to 10:45am | Exhibition visit: Picasso: Designed by Paul Smith. Explore the exhibition accompanied by Dr Sophie Matthiesson.
• 10:45am to 11:10am | Morning tea
• 11:10am to 11:30am | Curator talk: In and Out of Site:Maureen Lander with Sarah Farrar, Head of Curatorial and Learning
• 11:30am to 12pm | Curator talk: Gottfried Lindauer with Jane Davidson-Ladd, Curator, New Zealand Historic Art
• 12pm to 12:30pm | Exhibition visit: Ngā Taonga Tūturu: Treasured Māori Portraits. Explore the works of Gottfried Lindauer accompanied by curator Jane Davidson-Ladd.
• 12:30pm to 1:30pm | Lunch on the East Terrace
• 1:30 to 2pm | Curator talk: Family Album with Cameron Ah Loo-Matamua, Curator, Special Projects, and Julia Waite, Curator, New Zealand Art
• 2pm to 2:30pm | Curator talk: In Trust for Tomorrow: The Greg J Moyle Foundation Bequest with Julia Waite, Curator, New Zealand Art, explores the exhibition, including artworks that connect with the curriculum.
• 2:30pm to 3pm | Exhibition visit: In Trust for Tomorrow: The Greg J Moyle Foundation Bequest. Explore the exhibition accompanied by curator Julia Waite.
• 3pm to 3:15pm | Conference wrap-up in the Gallery Auditorium

Register via email