Creative Learning at the Festival

Each year we present a wide range of educational events within the Festival lineup in March, aimed at schools, teachers and adult learners.

Our full educational programme will be announced in November.

If you have any questions, please contact our Creative Learning Programme Coordinator Maria Williams:

Our educational lineup of shows for schools and students aims to reach tamariki and adult learners throughout the motu, making the arts accessible and fostering a desire to learn, appreciate and participate.

Both special matinees and public performances are made available exclusively to schools and teachers in Tāmaki Makaurau, many with FREE ticketing allocations, and can be booked directly through us. 

We also work with artists and artistic companies to organise pre/post-show talks, dress rehearsal and outreach/workshop opportunities, and education packs for curriculum.

We believe everyone should have access to life-changing experiences in the arts — especially our rangatahi.

In August 2025 we launched a campaign to boost our FREE TICKETS initiative for schools and community groups for another year.

To date, more than 100 individuals have donated $20 or more towards tickets for young people to experience the Festival in our city’s iconic venues. Putting them in front of incredible local and international artists, who might just change the way they think and feel about their place in the world, is part of the transformative power of Creative Learning and why we do what we do for arts and culture in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Read more about the campaign and how donations directly cover the cost of reserving seats, at the next Festival in March 2026, for school students and communities working with youth:

Are you an individual or organisation interested in becoming a partner with the Festival and its Creative Learning initiative? To help us continue to deliver a world-class education programme, contact our Head of Partnerships & Devlopment, Colleen Edwards at Colleen.Edwards@aaf.co.nz.

We are always striving to do more, and accept donations towards Creative Learning.

There are simple ways to assist with direct, tangible results – read more about the ways your support makes it happen, or make a donation today in just a few clicks:

Main image: a schools performance of Bee Story in Aotea Square, part of Creative Learning 2023. Image by Jinki Cambronero.