Artistic students get enterprising

Nelson students were introduced to the real world this year by organising an art exhibition for their peers.

Destination: Art has been in the making since March, when Nelson Tasman Tourism chief executive Paul Davis approached Education for Enterprise with an idea to showcase some of Nelson's young talent and to help express what the region has to offer.

Education for Enterprise, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Education and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, promotes an approach to "real" learning.

Eight students from Waimea College, Nayland College, Nelson College and Nelson College for Girls got together to organise and curate the exhibition, which features about 50 pieces of art currently in the Nelson Provincial Museum.

Education for Enterprise regional manager Patrick Smith said the project helped to expose the students to some real-world experience.

"Often students will be a little isolated from the skills they can learn by actually being out there doing it for real."

Nelson College for Girls student Rachel Hay, 18, said it had been a beneficial experience.

Her notebook, which she started in March was overflowing with meeting schedules, minutes and information on the exhibition.

"It's great to finally have it all done," she said.

The artwork focused on two Maori principles, Kaitiakitanga and Manaakitanga, or guardianship and hospitality.

Nelson Provincial Museum chief executive Peter Millward said he thought the idea was brilliant.

"It's totally student-run from start to finish. All I did was provide the venue but these guys have to come [up] with the idea."

Mr Millward said the themes of the exhibition fitted in with what the museum wanted to foster.

Waimea College student Skye Hampton, 14, won the junior section and Nelson College student Owen Connors, 17, won the senior section.

They received prizes donated by Nelson Tasman Tourism, Future Proof Ltd and Kimi, which assists Maori to achieve success through employment, education and training.

The exhibition runs until October 21 but will be featured around other areas of Nelson.