This year, Merrin School will be participating in a unique and exciting opportunity called Creatives in School. Two talented Christchurch artists will be collaborating with some of our tamariki in a project to design and create a school mural representing the Merrin School community.

We have been very lucky to be one of the schools selected to participate in the Creatives in School programme this year. Creatives in Schools aims to provide a creative learning experience that enhances the wellbeing of students and develop their knowledge and skills in communication, collaboration and creative thinking and practice. 

We have partnered up with two amazing local artists, Dr. Reuben Woods and Nick Lowry, to provide ākonga with a unique and authentic 8 week project to design and create a school mural. This will be inspired by Merrin School's vision, values and what it means to our tamariki. This learning experience will allow tamariki to dive into the world of visual arts as they actively participate in the process of exploring, experimenting, planning and painting with guidance of successful artists. 

This is an extremely exciting opportunity and we would love some parent support in bringing this project to life. We are looking for volunteers to come and support our creative sessions and we are also looking for  Marine plywood sponsors. 

If you are able to sponsor us or volunteer, please contact kristielam@merrin.school.nz

If you are looking for something to do in the holidays that might inspire your children's creativity and interest in the arts, we recommended taking a family trip to the Canterbury Museum to see the SHIFT: Urban Art Takeover exhibit. One of our artists, Dr. Reuben Woods, is the curator of this exhibition and this may be a good opportunity to expose your children to our lovely Christchurch talent and murals before participating in this project. 

Tickets can be found here: 

https://www.canterburymuseum.com/shift-urban-art-takeover/tickets/

Alternatively, take a walk around the city centre and admire the lovely Christchurch street art and murals for everybody to enjoy.