Forests of the future

Students begin their immersive experience in Breathe | Mauri Ora, where they explore powerful works of art that invite reflection on our connection with te taiao – the natural world. As they move through the space, students will engage in rich discussions around the messages conveyed by each artwork, considering how these narratives speak to our relationship with nature and the impact we have on it. 

The journey continues in Hīnātore | Learning Lab, where students deepen their understanding by unpacking the ideas and emotions sparked by the exhibition, and how art, science and technology work together to convey them. They’ll consider how these messages might resonate with people in everyday life, and what influence they could have beyond the gallery walls. 

Then, the creative challenge begins. Using either virtual reality or low-fi options, students will design their own environments – spaces where the mauri of nature is visible, and humans are in sync with the natural world. These worlds become a springboard for ongoing exploration back in the classroom, where students can share, reflect, and build on their learning in meaningful ways. 

Te Papa Talks: Virtual Realities weekend, 2017. Photo by . Te Papa (1