Media Release, Celebrating Creativity: Dunedin Mums Build Summer Exhibition to Inspire the Next Generation, Tūhura Otago Museum, November 2025

As funding and attention for arts, culture, and history decline nationally, two Dunedin mums are taking matters into their own hands. Design & Exhibitions Manager Shanaya Cunningham (35) and Senior Designer Annah Taggart (33) have created a fully homegrown summer exhibition at Tūhura Otago Museum, designed to put creativity back in the spotlight for the next generation.

The Gallery Gang’s Big Adventure, opening this Saturday, invites children and families to explore the Museum in a hands-on, imaginative way. The exhibition brings seven playful characters to life, each inspired by one of the Museum’s galleries. Every character leads visitors through craft activities that reflect their gallery’s focus, from Māori and Pacific art to natural science and history.

The exhibition features more than 20 craft stations, ranging from quick, beginner-friendly activities to projects for budding artists who love to spend time perfecting their creations. Crafts include making flying insects, bioluminescent sea creatures, mini poi, kundu (Papua New Guinean drum), weaving and other interactive projects, all designed to spark imagination, encourage problem-solving, and give kids a break from screens. Visitors can take home everything they make, ensuring the creative experience continues beyond the Museum walls.

At the heart of the exhibition are Cunningham and Taggart, whose lifelong passion for art, design, and creativity has shaped their careers. Both grew up immersed in art, photography, graphic design, and art history, with Shanaya serving as Arts Prefect at Otago Girls’ High School and Annah attending Queen’s High School. They went on to study Design at Otago Polytechnic, and Annah now also serves on the board of trustees at a local primary school. Both say their careers were shaped by the creativity they were encouraged to explore at school and the teachers who inspired them.

“This exhibition grew out of our belief that arts, history, and culture are more important than ever,” Cunningham says. “we wanted to put creativity and cultural learning back in the spotlight, creating a space where kids can explore, imagine, and make with their hands.”

Taggart adds, “As mums, we see how important creativity is for young minds. It helps children think critically, solve problems, and explore ideas, skills that are vital in a world increasingly influenced by AI. We want to show them that creativity and imagination are tools they can carry with them throughout life.”

Marketing Manager Charlie Buchan describes Shanaya and Annah as “an impressive duo.”

“It’s inspirational to see such creative women putting their passion into influencing the next generation. They’ve worked hard to keep the exhibition affordable and accessible, while creating a space where kids and parents can learn and connect. This is a first for the Museum, very different from anything we’ve done before and it beautifully highlights our galleries, collection pieces, art, history, and culture in a way that children can easily understand and enjoy.”

Entry is $5 per child, with adults free when accompanying children, ensuring the exhibition is accessible while helping cover material costs.

The Gallery Gang’s Big Adventure promises a summer of creativity, hands-on learning, and family fun, a must-visit for tamariki and parents looking to explore art, history, and culture in an interactive, imaginative way.