Fresh Horizons
The Fresh Horizon Workshops have been run by Tautai as one day workshops for young/emerging artists since 2001. These have now increased to three days in duration. In 2007 Tautai expanded the programmes to two workshops a year and are actively seeking ways to increase that to at least three a year.
Tertiary institutions have recognised the value in hosting Tautai Fresh Horizons workshops and are regular and supportive hosts for the workshops.
Tautai engages established pacific artists as tutors at the workshops and is now also engaging senior pacific students from the host institution to assist them. Secondary schools in the nominated area identify and nominate students that Tautai then arranges all requirements for attendance including transport, catering and the provision of all necessary art materials.
Tautai Fresh Horizons Workshops are not ‘art classes’ but opportunities to experiment, to try new art related ideas or hone special talent. By putting known artists in as tutors, backed up by senior tertiary students as assistants, Tautai is giving the secondary students visible role models – people they can relate to who are successful. The aim is to give the students a stimulating art experience under the eye of positive, enthusiastic role models, and reinforce the value of continued education.
The workshops often conclude with an exhibition of the work produced by the students. This is extremely affirming for the students and also brings their caregivers and family into the tertiary institution, which further reinforces the exposure to continuing education possibilities, whether art related or in other areas.
Due to their success, it is now an objective of Tautai to expand the number of Fresh Horizon Workshops held each year. To facilitate this, the Board has directed more resources to the program including the appointment of a part time manager of the Tautai Fresh Horizons Workshop Program. With this person being able to devote their time and focus to expanding the program and to sourcing specific funding or sponsorship for additional workshops it is envisaged that three or more workshops can be held annually.
The workshops also provide short term employment opportunities for the growing pool of experienced artist/tutors available to Tautai as well as enabling a wider geographic spread of workshop locations.