Auckland Zoo is inviting people of all ages to get creative and share what connecting with nature means to them by submitting art, photography, or poetry for its summer ‘In Your Nature Community Art Trail’ that will open at the Zoo on 18 December.

Submissions open today, 3 November, and can be made up until Friday 21 November.

“It’s in our nature to connect with nature, and it’s really good for us! Research shows that spending time connecting with wildlife and in green spaces lowers stress, boosts our mood and deepens our sense of belonging and feeling of wellbeing,” says Auckland Zoo’s Visitor Experiences and Engagement Manager, Zoe Firth.

“Each of us connects with nature in our own way, and what it means to us is deeply personal. Auckland Zoo is Te Pā Hono - a place of connection for whānau and friends to come together and connect with te taiao, the natural world that we are all a part of. It’s the perfect environment to share creative expressions from our communities that reflect these unique relationships with nature, through all forms of art.”

With the Dinosaur Discovery Track winter activation finished, the Zoo is now preparing this space for the ‘In Your Nature Community Art Trail’ that will run from 18 December to 8 February and will be free for all Zoo visitors to enjoy.

“We’re looking forward to selecting a diversity of artworks to showcase in what will be a super relaxing and inspiring space where visitors can also sit and enjoy kai and time together and take part in some creative activities on offer,” explains Zoe.

All ages and abilities invited to submit artworks

As an inclusive celebration of creativity and connection, the Zoo invites submissions from all ages and abilities – that can be anything from finger painting to fine art.

“Whether you create a drawing of your favourite animal or holiday spot, a photo of you and your whānau at the Zoo, or even an abstract representation of nature, we want to see how connecting with and being in nature inspires you, and we hope you have fun in the process,” adds Zoe.

How to submit your artworks

Selected artworks will be reproduced in large (weather-proof) print format to display, so please submit high quality photos of your art, and not your original piece.

You can find all details (including terms and conditions) and the ‘In Your Nature Art Trail’ entry form to fill out as part of your submission, on the Zoo’s website.

Notes:

About Auckland Zoo

Auckland Zoo is a not-for-profit wildlife conservation science organisation which opened in 1922. The Zoo is part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and proud to be part of the Auckland Council whānau. aucklandzoo.co.nz

About Tātaki Auckland Unlimited

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) is Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s cultural, events and destination agency. It is an Auckland Council-controlled organisation that works to make Auckland a vibrant place to live and visit, through events, experiences and taonga (treasures).

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