Aspiring Conversations – nurturing and celebrating our local youth
By Ruth Heath
We firmly believe in the benefits of our young people engaging in the arts.
As part of our annual and diverse festival programmes, we specifically create opportunities to spark joy and creativity in curious minds. Through school visits, performances and workshops with guest speakers and artists, there are many ways for students to engage in The Aspiring Conversations programmes.
In this year’s programme, singer-songwriters Julia Deans and Adam McGrath will lead workshops at Mount Aspiring College. Sophie Handford, founder of School Strike 4 Climate and Kāpiti councillor, will speak with students. The Ngā Tahu Archive team will also present on historical connections between Te Waipounamu South Island and Waitangi, pre- and post-1840. And we will also be showcasing a writing project in collaboration with MAC’s English department.
Mat Doyle, Head of Learning Arts at Mount Aspiring College, explains: “Opportunities with artists expose our students to the intricacies of arts industries and inspire them to explore new ways of expressing their ideas and stories, such as through music. Aspiring Conversations plays an indispensable role in the creative trajectories of our students in offering our students opportunities they would otherwise miss out on in our little bubble.”
Don’t miss Aspiring Conversations on from 4-7 April.
More info: festivalofcolour.co.nz
