What's On @ Otago Museum | Week of 12 August 2019

SOUTHERN LAND, SOUTHERN PEOPLE GALLERY

The stories of the south are as rich and varied as the stunning landscapes, from lush pasture and tussock-covered hills, to the icy heights of the Southern Alps. The way this land is used and valued by the people who call it home has changed dramatically throughtime.

From grass to gold, fur seals to flax, clay to coal, discover how the available resources shaped the human stories of southern New Zealand. Follow the lifeways of early Southern Māori journeying through the landscape, and then the later waves of immigrants building prosperity from natural resources, industries, and agriculture.



See the world’s largest collection of articulated moa skeletons, and the biggest raptor that ever existed, the giant Haast’s eagle. Wonder at the unique and diverse abundance of local wildlife, and hear the conservation success story of the rediscovery of the 'last' takahē.


 

JAMES CAMERON – CHALLENGING THE DEEP

iNDx – ART EXHIBITION

Now in its second year, the award winning iNDx Art Exhibition showcases the amazing depth of artistic talent in both the local and the wider autistic community.

A collaborative and thought-provoking exhibition with artworks ranging from paint on canvas to vlogs, carvings, photography, poetry, sculpture, and more.

THIS WEEK @ OTAGO MUSEUM

A CONVERSATION ON AUTISM

Join psychologist Dr Marilyn Willis, paediatrician Dr Pam Jackson, Autism advocate Tanea Paterson, and psychiatric nurse and educator Matthew Peppercorn for an open and thought-provoking discussion about Autism.

Hear first-hand from knowledgeable local advocates and professionals, and lend your voice to the conversation.

Free | 5.30pm, Wednesday 14 August | Barclay Theatre
More information here

AUTISTIC IDENTITY IN ART

In this workshop, we will be looking at ‘being’ autistic as an identity and culture. This will include language usage and preferences, cultural norms, and daily struggles to maintain our unique culture.

It will begin with an introduction to the topic as stated above, outlining some of the current trends in autistic advocacy and autistic rights movements, as well as myths, followed by an arts-based activity representing the language and translation difficulties between neurodiverse and neurotypical communities/individuals. We will end the session with a recap and Q&A session, where you can 'Ask an Autist'.

FIRST FLIGHT

Help our newly-emerged butterflies take flight in Tūhura's Tropical Forest.

Join us each day to learn about the amazing transformation butterflies go through before they take wing for the very first time.

Included with your Tūhura admission | 11am weekdays, 11am and 1.30pm weekends/holidays
Tūhura Otago Community Trust Science Centre
More information here

INTERNET AND GAMING

iNDx team member Western Paterson is a big fan of anime and video games, and has been immersed in it for most of his young adult life. He’s seen how dangerous the online world can be, and has had plenty of experience dealing with online drama.

In this informal talk, Western will cover a number of topics relating to internet safety and online activity. He’ll go over some of the more popular safety websites, and the tools they provide to help with your online experience. Western will also discuss video gaming, shares his opinions on whether it’s truly as harmful as the media would have you think, and make suggestions for what you can do to ensure your kids are able to enjoy this hobby safely.

SEA MONSTERS: A PREHISTORIC ADVENTURE

Go back to the time of dinosaurs! Dive into the oceans of the Late Cretaceous to follow Dolly, a curious and adventurous dolichorhynchops, as she travels through the most dangerous seas in history.

Along the way, she encounters long-necked plesiosaurs, giant turtles, enormous fish, fierce sharks, and the most dangerous sea monsters of all, the mosasaurs!

INHALE, EXHALE, BREATHE.

Inhale, exhale, breathe. – a three-part work performed by the contemporary and modern dancers of Otago Dance Association's Performance Troupe (ODAPT) to a variety of musical arrangements. This work takes the audience on an immersive journey of ocean exploration with static and flowing choreography.

In support of the James Cameron – Challenging the Deep exhibition, as the performers "inhale, exhale, and breathe", they dance for our oceans, and bring to light its beauty and the importance of its preservation.