Unique to Massey University, the Bachelor of Maori Visual Arts encompasses contemporary Maori art, Maori language, Maori culture, and tikanga What is it Like? Massey was the first - and is still the only - University to offer degrees in Maori Visual Arts. All degrees at Toioho ki Apiti are taught with a strong Māori kaupapa, with te reo, tikanga, and manaakitang at their core. Toioho ki Apiti faculty recognise that language, culture, tikanga and art are intertwined and inseparable. We cater for all levels of proficiency in te reo whether you have grown up through kohanga and kura or are an absolute beginner. As a Maori visual arts student you will develop perceptual and conceptual skills in two- and three-dimensional art practice alongside a cultural foundation for verbal and visual communication. Exhibitions and community courses allow you to interact with the broader Māori community to further develop your awareness and understanding of relevant issues. Over time you will develop your own art practice that is deeply grounded in culture. As well as Maori, we have students of Pakeha and international indigenous heritage who want to explore a kaupapa-driven approach to contemporary art. The BMVA will provide you with: A culturally-based education in design Two and three-dimensional art theory and practice Discussion on art issues relating to the development of Maori art Development of your perceptual and conceptual skills A cultural foundation for verbal and visual communication Interaction with the broader Maori community through exhibitions and community programmes You are required to pass at least 480 credits to complete the BMVA. That is normally completed over four years of full-time study. Exhibitions and cultural opportunities The BMVA experience can be a rewarding and rich cultural encounter. BMVA students are encouraged to become involved in Maori cultural activities, including noho marae, waiata sessions, kapa haka, participation in powhiri, and attendance at hui. Third and fourth year students are required to exhibit their work in a professional manner. Their exhibitions are considered to be among the highlights of the year. They are held towards the end of the second semester and are open to whanau, the wider University, and the public. The standard of work has been uniformly high and attracts very favorable comment from visitors and art critics. Much of the work is sold during the exhibitions, introducing students to the commercial side of visual art and providing experience in marketing and presentation. Careers The Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts can lead to a number of rewarding and interesting careers: Teaching Māori art at secondary or tertiary levels Gallery work Museum work Work in design-related industries Work in Iwi and Māori cultural development Work as an artist