Exhibition ends but new relationships set to endure

_{Sierra Bright discussses her work at the final floortalk of Whakawhanaungatanga 2025}

Whakawhanaungatanga 2025 - an exhibition rooted in the spirit of connection - has drawn enthusiastic praise from students and visitors alike, affirming the value of connection-driven creative practice.

Held over two weeks at CoCA Gallery, the salon-style exhibition brought together nearly 40 emerging artists from Ara Institute of Canterbury and Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury’s Ilam School of Fine Arts.

It was the second time students from both institutions joined forces to share their work, exchange ideas, and build relationships through creative practice. This year in excess of 2000 gallery visits were recorded.

True to its name, Whakawhanaungatanga reflects the process of building and sustaining dynamic, multi-layered relationships - the kind that strengthen communities and artistic growth.

The inaugural 2023 show was born from a shared desire to foster collaboration between Ara and Ilam students, led by Dr Raewyn Martyn (Ilam Painting), Dr John Vea (Ilam Sculpture), and Oliver Perkins (Ara).

In 2025, the kaupapa continued to evolve, with Oliver Perkins joined by UC’s Louise Palmer to lead the initiative. Together, they built on the foundation laid by the original contributors, deepening the partnership and expanding the scope of the project.

“The hope is that lasting relationships will form - giving these emerging artists networks of support, fresh ideas, and genuine friendship,” Perkins said.

Throughout the exhibition, students hosted a series of floortalks, offering insights into their creative processes and engaging directly with gallery visitors.

Ara student Eliza Ward spoke to her large (210 x 90cm) charcoal work which was inspired by her late grandmother's passion for making porcelain dolls and her memories of growing up around them.

Ward said coming together as a group with the Ilam Fine Arts students and working on laying out the space had been enjoyable and rewarding.

“We got to discuss all our pieces and build connections. The support and friendships we have made along the way has been amazing as well as just seeing everything on the wall come together.

Sierra Bright (Ngāi Tahu) shared her delicate installation Ārai, crafted from harakeke and tī kōuka twine with hand-rolled paper beads made from diary pages chronicling her experience with a chronic nightmare disorder.

“Being exposed to other people’s art expands your horizons,” she said. “It’s exciting to see others’ work and talk about the different processes they use at UC. We had a lot of conversations about how things work differently at each institution.”

Perkins said it had been a busy with time with Whakawhanaungatanga happening alongside course work. But it had become a vital part of the programme for the students.

“The CoCA space looks to be available every second year due to programming availability. On the year without an exhibition, we are planning other events or activities that will continue to foster wananga,” he said.

With creativity as the catalyst and collaboration at its core, Whakawhanaungatanga 2025 has proven that while exhibitions may end, the relationships they spark can endure - and grow.