Have you noticed some new signage up in Ngā Toi | Arts Te Papa?

Zoe, Tiana, and Isla (all aged 4) from Tai Tamariki Kindergarten have created these beautiful pieces to help children and adults visiting Level 5:

‘This is me at the gallery. I have scribbled out the leg to show that it is not a good idea to stand over the white line. There are also white blocks to create a barrier. They are not for people to climb on, they are for looking far away. I really like looking and drawing in galleries.’

‘These are the words that say “do not touch the piano”. You don’t touch because if you play it the police might come. You can touch other pianos, the ones that aren’t in art galleries.’

‘These are people who are not stepping really close to the line. You can look with your eyes and mummies and daddies and teachers can tell you what it’s all about – so you can find out if you can’t read yet.’

‘There is a line around the ground that shows no going over. The “no camera” sign means no cameras, and it means no photos with phones too. My Mum took her phone, but she didn’t take photos. The other sign says “no touching” – but you can look and do sketching.’

Understanding ‘what to do’ in an art gallery really does help to create an enjoyable and positive experience. It has been great to acknowledge the expertise of our tamariki (children), and to give them the opportunity to teach others.

We invited Zoe, Tiana and Isla, with their families and teachers, to come up and celebrate their mahi (work) with us on Tuesday:

You can find our Gallery Guidance signs at the three entrance ways into Ngā Toi: on the Level 5 bridge; next to the WOW Factor exhibition; and next to the Colour and Light exhibition. There is also one in the Whare Toi | Arts Studio.

Check them out if you haven’t already!

A special thank you to the teachers at Tai Tamariki, and Te Papa staff who helped to make this project possible.