Art and Teaching

The Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University Art Collection was officially established in 1970 by Plant Science faculty members Dick Lucas and Mike Smetham. Over the past 55 years, the university has acquired a significant collection of over 300 artworks by artists from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.

Among its many roles within the university, the Art Collection is a valued educational resource that fosters learning, dialogue, and critical thinking across various disciplines. There are multiple ways to integrate the collection into your courses, for example, relevant works can serve as discussion prompts, stimulate creative engagement, visually enhance online course content and provide an alternative resource to complement traditional learning materials and methods. The collection offers opportunities for students and staff to explore diverse perspectives and deepen their understanding.

For example, Te Hono Ki Waihora is part of the Te Hono series by Leeston-born artist John Bevan Ford. This work features a kaitaka, one of the most prestigious types of cloaks, traditionally reserved for rangatira due to its intricate craftsmanship and the use of the finest muka (flax fibre), floating above Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere. In Ford’s depiction, this visual connection symbolises the deep interwoven relationship between the land, people, and traditions of Te Waihora.

Below, artworks are categorized by department, showcasing examples relevant to specific fields. The list of artworks is being updated regularly, so be sure to come back often...