School Programmes


COCA Gallery is a provider to schools (Years 1-13) of high quality art education programmes under contract to the Ministry of Education (LEOTC - Learning Experiences Outside the Classroom). We support the Visual arts in the New Zealand Curriculum and encourage cross-curricular work. Our workshops aim to build upon the key competencies and values of your school.

Choose from one of 8 workshops that run all year round or from our non-static workshops that change every term (related to works on show in one of our exhibitions and the 'Meet a Professional Artist Programme'). Workshops vary in length in order to cater for every school?s needs and operate throughout Term time on a Weds/Thurs and Friday. Times vary, so check the workshop description carefully for start and finish times and duration.

COCA's collection consists of contemporary artworks that we believe teachers and their pupils should have the opportunity to experience first hand.

Pupils can explore their own responses to art works and increase their understanding of contemporary NZ art through gallery tours, workshops and lively talks led by the education officer.

COCA hosts over 45 exhibitions each year by local, national and international artists. Each term there are a number of workshop activities based on key exhibitions or works selected from our collection or selling gallery. These are designed to achieve specific learning outcomes.

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Current Schools Programme

Education Officer Contact Information

Nikki Wallace-Bell
Education Officer
COCA Gallery
P.O.Box 772, 66 Gloucester St, Christchurch
ph: (03) 366 7261
Fax: (03) 366 7167
Email Nikki

Featured Exhibition

'Off the Rails' CPIT Foundation Exhibition

The Top Floor, 9th–14th November 2009

Off the Rails is an exhibition of 3D objects made from discarded materials found near Christchurch railway tracks. Students in the Certificate of design treated this area as a treasure ...

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'Juncture' - Catholic Cathedral College

The Top Floor, 8th–21st December 2008

Juncture presents a body of work by Year 12 students of Catholic Cathedral College. Upon entering the Top Floor, visitors actually have to walk amongst an installation of painted banners ...

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'Put Yourself In Our Shoes' - CPIT Certificate of Design Students

The Top Floor, 11th–30th November 2008

This exhibition by students of the Certificate of Design programme at CPIT is the culmination of learning through generation of ideas and the development of practical 3D skills. 'Put Yourself ...

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Caring For The Dead

The Top Floor, 3rd–9th November 2008

COCA Gallery is pleased to present Caring for the Dead: A photographic essay on the funeral profession, an exhibition by Christchurch based photographer Bridgit Anderson.

Taken over the course of ...

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Burnside High X11

The Top Floor, 24th September–16th October 2008

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Creative Routes

The Top Floor, 7th–14th September 2008

Creative Routes - A group exhibition with the intent of promoting adult learning within the community.

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STRIP: Avonside Girls High School Year 12 & 13 Digital and Darkroom Photography

The Top Floor, 12th–31st August 2008

Strip showcases the digital and traditional darkroom photography of year 12 and 13 photography students at Avonside Girls High School.

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