The next generation of environmental heroes showcase their artistic talent and eco-awareness at the Auckland Botanic Garden during the school holidays.
The annual Eye on Nature Creative Arts competition invites tamariki from South and East Auckland to get creative and produce pieces that focus on the 2024 theme of Act Local – What’s in your backyard?
Hosted by the Manurewa-based Beautification Trust, the art makes use of sustainable and re-purposed materials, teaching the artists to care for te taiao (the environment).
“Aotearoa offers one of the most diverse and unique environments in the world. By learning about the ecosystem around them, we inspire the tamariki and instil pride for our beautiful land,” the trust’s community programmes manager Sterling Ruwhiu says.
“The tamariki not only explore plants, animals and insects from local gardens and backyards, but also the environmental impact that small actions make on their surroundings.”
Manurewa-Papakura Councillor Angela Dalton says the trust delivers great work across much of the south and east of the city.
“There work is so much more than just getting rid of tagging and graffiti. It’s about creating a generation of young people who will become our leaders, and who will take that love and respect for their environment into the future.”
“I’ve been to previous exhibitions and seen what is produced. The works can make you see our world, and more importantly our own behaviours, differently.
“There is an old saying about words of wisdom coming ‘out of the mouths of babes’, and these works reinforce how a new generation view what is going on in the world they will inherit.”
The free exhibition opens on Saturday and all visitors can vote in a People’s Choice Award, allowing winning kindergartens and schools to earn prizes and art supplies.
The event is part of the Beautification Trust’s annual Eye on Nature children’s environmental education programme and is sponsored by Auckland Council and the six southern local boards.
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