In a year that has been defined by such uncertainty, Toi Ohomai students are taking back control by redefining 2020 and celebrating their creative achievements.
Toi Ohomai Bachelor of Creative Industries students are preparing to host their Graduate Exhibition and despite the adversities students have faced throughout the year, they have come together to host a creative exhibition that is free to attend.
The exhibition, Porowhita Tonu, means full circle, explains visual arts graduate Leiona Tupou. “Porowhita Tonu – or full circle is a play on our journeys together at tech. It represents endurance, perseverance and momentum.
“By the time the exhibition rolls around we will have practically finished, so the circle also represents the completion of our three-year degree.”
The exhibition boasts a wide range of ideas and values expressed through a variety of materials, mediums and technologies, and will feature works across three disciplines: fashion design, graphic design and visual arts.
Within the Creative Industries courses students strive to be more environmentally, socially, economically and culturally sustainable, which in turn drives social change. This is often reflected in students’ creative practice. Toi Ohomai senior academic staff member Anne-Marie Simon says so much work and planning has gone into creating a free event for whānau and the wider community to attend.
“We wanted to hold an event without monetary expectations, that whānau, friends, community and the creative industry sector can come together to celebrate our student successes without boundaries.”
Students have been involved in every aspect of the event, from planning and fundraising to marketing and promotion.
“The students learn fundraising and event management skills that are authentic and adaptable. Each student year group are able to direct how the final event is marketed, presented and managed. They get to finish their final year of study on a high, by putting on a fantastic event to showcase their final body of work to family, community and industry.”
The main fundraiser for this event was the production and sales of face masks from recycled materials. This successful campaign raised enough money to cover the cost of the event with an excess of $200 that students have chosen to donate to the Tauranga Foodbank.
Porowhita Tonu will be located at M Block at the Toi Ohomai Windermere campus on Friday, 20 November.
The evening begins at 5.30pm and will feature live music, a fashion show, and delicious food and drink from an assortment of local vendors.
Support local creatives and view their impressive assortments of works. Original merchandise will also be available.
About Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is one of the largest tertiary education providers in the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato regions, with more than 12,000 students studying across more than 25 delivery sites in Rotorua, Taupō, Tauranga, Tokoroa and Whakatāne.
The Institute was designed to meet education and employment needs of people in the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato regions, while fostering innovation. Toi Ohomai is a sustainable organisation that supports students beyond their qualifications by building strong relationships with industry and community decision makers.
Toi Ohomai offers something for learners of all ages, with more than 150 study options covering specialities in business, creative arts, engineering, forestry, health and nursing, hospitality, marine science, road transport, tourism, trades and more.
For further enquiries, please contact:
Anita Moran
Content and Communications Specialist
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
E: anita.moran@toiohomai.ac.nz
M: 0221895450
Marenke van Maanen
Social Media at 2020 – Porowhita Tonu
E: marenke@hotmail.co.nz
M: 0277721567
