Aspiring Conversations is coming up next month and students from the local high school will get the chance to learn from visiting speakers while they are here.

Wānaka Festival of Colour general manager Ruth Heath said including opportunities for young people is important to the team behind Aspiring Conversations and the festival (which take place on alternating years).

“Through school visits, performances and workshops with guest speakers and artists, there are many ways for students to engage in our programmes,” Ruth said.

During Aspiring Conversations (coming up from April 4-7) singer-songwriters Julia Deans and Adam McGrath will lead workshops at Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College (MAC) and Sophie Handford, founder of School Strike 4 Climate and Kāpiti Councillor, will speak with students. 

Adam McGrath workshopping with students in the music department at Mount Aspiring College at last year’s Festival of Colour.

The Ngāi Tahu Archive team will also present on historical connections between Te Waipounamu South Island and Waitangi, pre- and post-1840. 

“We will also be showcasing a special writing project in collaboration with MAC’s English department, and students James Watson and Elsa Buckley have the opportunity to join our panel of experts in ‘What is the Tipping Point?’,” Ruth said.

MAC Head of Learning Arts Mat Doyle said the support provided by these opportunities “expose our students to the intricacies of arts industries and inspire them to explore new ways of expressing their ideas and stories, such as through music”.

“Aspiring Conversations plays an indispensable role in the creative trajectories of our students, and we extend our deepest thanks for their continual commitment to offering our students opportunities they would otherwise miss out on in our little bubble.”

There are 14 events with a lineup of 40 speakers and artists open to the public during the four-day Aspiring Conversations.

Events will explore themes ranging from culture and history to adventure, politics, personal challenges, climate change, and more.

Find more information and the full festival lineup at the Aspiring Conversations.

PHOTOS: Deanna Gerlach