Activation: Art in Motion to Inspire Thousands at Canvas Careers Expo

Tauranga, NZ – With over 3,000 secondary school students expected from across the Bay of Plenty, Art In Motion bridges the gap between talent and opportunity, say the organisers of the Canvas Careers Expo happening this Thursday.

On at Mercury Baypark on August 7–8, the expo aims to connect students with real creatives and future-focused mentors.

Taking over the top floor of the venue, Art In Motion gives students the chance to explore bold new futures in film, fashion, and visual arts.

This is a fresh initiative led by the Third Culture Film Festival (TCFF) and BrightSpark - and is designed to ignite the imaginations of young people and showcase real pathways into Aotearoa’s creative industries, say organisers.

“Too often, creative careers are overlooked as viable options by both students and parents,” says Harry Oram, the Director of TCFF and co-founder of Art In Motion.

“This activation is about changing that narrative — showing our youth that creativity is not only a passion, but a practical, profitable, and essential part of our future economy,” Oram said.

 BrightSpark founder Ranui Samuels said  working with TCFF on Art In Motion is about creating systems that actually work for young creatives.

“We’re taking real steps to shift how schools, artists, and industry connect - and the students are ready,” Samuels said.

Founder of Canvas Careers Expo, Sue Boyne said she was thrilled to have Art In Motion as part of the Canvas Careers Expo this year.

"They’re adding a dynamic new dimension to the event. By bringing more options and creative opportunities to young people stepping into an uncertain world.

“This team is passionate, resilient, and they think outside the box, and I’m excited to give them a platform to showcase that," Boyne said.

An Immersive Experience — Inside and Out

The activation will transform Bay Park Arena into a multi-sensory, art-powered experience, featuring:

• The Engine Room: An industrial-style space looping experimental short films and showcasing fashion displays from local and emerging designers — where art, film, and future collide.

• The Chill Zone: A casual space to reset, hang out, and connect with peers and fellow creative enthusiasts — designed to keep the atmosphere creative and cool.

• Street Art Station (Outside the Arena): Students will witness live graffiti art as local street artist Tautoko Matehaere brings the phrase “Art In Motion” to life in real time. Attendees can enter a prize draw, share their photos, and become part of the evolving mural experience.

• FREE Evening Showcase: On the evening of August 7th, Art In Motion will host a free event open to students, parents, and educators, featuring a fashion show spotlighting local young designers, and a film screening curated by the Third Culture Film Festival. This inspiring evening is designed to bring the community together and celebrate the creative journeys of our youth.

Want to Be Part of It?

The Art In Motion team includes some of Tauranga’s most passionate youth advocates and creatives — all working at cost to deliver an unforgettable event for the next generation.

To support, collaborate, or learn more, please contact: Dhaivat Mehta Third Culture Film Festival | Art In Motion📧 tcffnz@gmail.com | 📱 021 053 3548🌐 www.tcff.online

Education: New exchange programme to host film students between India and New Zealand

One of India’s largest umbrella bodies for film and cultural development has partnered with the Third Culture Film Festival (TCFF) in Tauranga for an exciting creative alliance aimed at supporting film and creative exchanges between India and New Zealand.

With a focus on film, TCFF Founder & Director Harry Oram says: "International creative diplomacy can start right here in the Bay of Plenty — and ripple out to the world".

The Mentor & Mascot Indian Film Federation (MMIFF) will establish the MMIFF India–New Zealand Art, Culture, Film & Entertainment Forum as part of the collaboration.

Oram said the new platform is dynamic and committed to fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange between the two nations.

“This is about more than just film, it’s about building meaningful relationships between our communities, our students, and our industries — from Tauranga to Mumbai and beyond.”

One module, The Joint Youth Short Film Labs, aims to pair emerging filmmakers from NZ and India to create cross-cultural films under shared mentorship, culminating in screenings at both TCFF and MMIFF festivals.

  MMIFF Chairperson, Mr. Jitender Sharma said the partnership is more than a collaboration, "it’s a bridge between two cultures”.

"As an association for creatives, we are focused on effectively promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Our mission is to enhance and promote Indian culture, heritage, and dignity worldwide.

"We aim to support one another and celebrate accomplishments across all areas of specialization. It is our responsibility to uphold DEI in all aspects of our operations, including our membership, policies, and

practices, and to foster an inclusive culture essential for the present and future growth of our organization."

The programme is scheduled to be rolled out as a series of initiatives under a formal knowledge-sharing agreement. Other programmes include a Joint Youth Short Film Labs that will pair emerging filmmakers from NZ and India; Reciprocal Festival Showcases such as an India Spotlight at TCFF 2026 and Third Culture programme blocks at MMIFF’s international events; Virtual Residencies & Masterclasses offering filmmakers and students access to collaborative training, script labs; and insights into each other’s creative industries.

There will also be a Joint Award for the best student film from the Labs Programme.

For more information, contact tcff@gmail.com