“Kaitiaki” 1995 by Randall Leach
In its 20 years, Toihoukura has firmly established itself as New Zealand’s leading Māori Visual Arts School.
The Gisborne-based school, which is part of EIT Tairāwhiti, continues to attract accolades from all over the world.
As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, a series of public lectures involving some of New Zealand’s top artists – carver Lyonel Grant, musician Dr Richard Nunns, contemporary sculptor Fred Graham, clay artist Manos Nathan, ta moko leader and founding Toihoukura Professor Derek Lardelli, multi media artist and fellow founding Toihoukura Associate Professor Steve Gibbs, and weaver Christina Huirihia Wirihana.
The lectures are being live streamed and can later be accessed through the EIT Tairāwhiti website (eitnzcopy.wpengine.com), which Gibbs says is being widely appreciated.
“The artists are here to support the kaupapa of Māori art in general and inspire students to progress their works,” he says.
“It’s a very special year for Toihoukura. This is a school that has come from humble beginnings, especially if you consider it was formerly known as The Barn. Yet it is recognised the world over for its students, graduates, tutors and talent.”
A highlight of the 20th anniversary year will be the Ruanuku Exhibition at the Tairāwhiti Museum at a date yet to be announced. It is hoped all the top students from the past 20 years will be present. Each of them, as the top student who receives support from patron Dr Jack Richards, has given a piece to the museum which will be exhibited.
Many of the graduates and lecturers who come back to Toihoukura to talk are major artists in their own right.
The focus of Toihoukura is to ensure the continuing development of art forms that are specifically Māori.
Students need to be open-minded in their studies.
“Along with the revival of a culture and its practices, Toihoukura is ensuring that contemporary Māori art is strong and thriving for future generations,” says Gibbs.
“The 20th anniversary is a huge landmark for a very special place.”