Free art bus removes transport barrier for Hawke’s Bay schools

The art bus is a regional first for Hawke's Bay, according to Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga Hastings Art Gallery. Photo / Richard Brimer

Students are getting a chance to experience the Hastings Art Gallery in a regional first with the art bus.

The bus provides free transport for eligible schools from Hastings, Napier and Central Hawke’s Bay to visit the gallery.

The project, launched in November and led by Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga Hastings Art Gallery, has already welcomed hundreds of students and is preparing for Term 2.

Priority is given to schools with a high equity index number (a Ministry of Education socio-economic measure), those in rural areas, or those significantly affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Teachers reported the experiences had been “culturally rich” and given students “new experiences they wouldn’t have had otherwise”.

Many said they would return with their students in the future.

Some of the students visiting the gallery were lucky enough to get experiences not usually available to the public.

One school was able to video call the artist on the spot thanks to a quick-thinking staff member.

They received an in-depth response to their questions in real time.

Hastings, Napier and Central Hawke’s Bay school students are getting access to the gallery with the art bus. Photo / Richard Brimer

Gallery audience and learning manager Elham Salari said the concept of the bus started with a simple and important idea.

“Art should be accessible for everybody, especially our tamariki, because they are the next generation of creative thinkers.

“Throughout the years, schools have told us that transport is the biggest barrier for visiting – and it’s not going to get better, the cost of living is rising."

Tamariki took part in activities which boosted confidence, sparked curiosity, exposed them to different perspectives and gave a strong sense of belonging, Salari said.

“When they leave the gallery, they take the experience home, share it with their whānau, and it strengthens the cultural fabric of our community here in Hawke’s Bay.”

Gallery staff are approaching eligible schools for bookings over the next term, and Salari said schools had responded positively.

“Teachers and principals keep telling us it’s a great initiative.

“They say they really want to go on these kinds of field trips, but financially it has been a strain.

“If we’re able to help them do it for free, it’s a win for everyone.”

Gallery director Sophie Davis said the art bus had been funded privately by a generous group of local patrons with the support of the gallery’s advocacy-advisory rōpū Ngā Huruhuru Toi.

“[It is] the collective efforts of a group of people who believe strongly in multi-generational access to the visual arts.”