Abstract
This article describes the unprecedented coming together of New Zealand art gallery educators to respond to the challenges of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. This newly formed community of practice met virtually three times at critical points. At each stage, new concerns were discussed and understandings evolved. The gallery educators were able to approach shared issues cooperatively, enabling mutual support to a degree that had hitherto not been possible. By the end of these meetings, gallery educators were reestablishing their regular teaching practice with the integration of many of the innovations of the period. Additionally, the meetings fulfilled a preexisting desire for closer contact and professional support, and thus proved to be the foundation of an ongoing national professional group for New Zealand art gallery educators.
Highlights
Esther Helen McNaughton n ABSTRACT: This article describes the unprecedented coming together of New Zealand art gallery educators to respond to the challenges of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic brought art gallery1 educators in Aotearoa New Zealand together in an unprecedented way. This group met nationally by Zoom at three critical points from midMarch to mid-June 2020, enabling mutual support to rise to a level that had hitherto not been possible
Significant influences on the sector were found to be Learning Experiences Outside the Classroom (LEOTC) contestable governmental funding, which has particular performance criteria; the fact that New Zealand art galleries are cultural institutions that operate within a constitutionally bicultural nation; and the fact that New Zealand art galleries are often situated in regional cities
Summary
Esther Helen McNaughton n ABSTRACT: This article describes the unprecedented coming together of New Zealand art gallery educators to respond to the challenges of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion covered issues of learning from home and engaging with families; school learning and working with classroom teachers; preparing for an uncertain immediate future; focusing on the local to make our programs distinctive; working with galleries’ collections of art and touring exhibitions; challenges of lockdown; and the value and pleasure of connection with each other.
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