Ōwheo Rising Walking Symposium

Ōwheo Rising, an interdisciplinary project where Art meets Communication Design and history meets the future

The waters of the Leith or Ōwheo, (the original Maori name meaning "The place of Wheo") normally divides Otago Polytechnic’s Dunedin campus in two ( including the schools of Art and Design), but an interdisciplinary and inter-school Living Campus project known as Owheo Rising has made students from both schools reconsider the stream as a way to connect with each other, nature and culture through storytelling and creative practices.

“Every year we choose a different social history project for our Third year communication design students, this year we chose the Leith River or Ōwheobecause this was where Māori used to come and share knowledge and we wanted the students to think about that, Māori culture and their environment,” says Caro McCaw, Communication Design Principal Lecturer, and Academic Leader.

Through a wide range of media and materials the design students had to develop creative projects around the histories of the Leith or Ōwheo and take them through to refined prototype stage.

“The students initially found it hard to engage with environmental issues and they had to create their own bridge between what they’re interested in and this project. Some of them made a seat by the river where they can take photos with friends or take a selfie and post them on social media because they realise that their meeting place is not the stream but social media, that’s the place where they share their stories,” says Ms McCaw.

“Other students are running a paper boat race; they’ve embedded seeds in the boats so that when the boats sink the native grass seeds will regrow and be a place for native fish to lay their eggs,” says Ms McCaw.

The students have been advised throughout the Owheo Rising project by visiting School of Design scholar Nina Czegledy, who has extensive experience working with art, science (including natural environments) communities and technology.

For more about Nina see: http://www.ninaczegledy.net/

The Ōwheo Rising Walking Symposium will take place Thursday, 17 March, during which students will present their Prototypes and presentations.

OWHEO RISING WALKING SYMPOSIUM MARCH 17, 2016
12.40pm PAPER BOATS Kelsey Yarella Kindergarten close to Clyde St. bridge
12.55pm MEETING PLACE – FURNITURE Riverbank - Clyde St. Bridge

ENDS

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