The glass programme has been a major influence in
the evolution of a New Zealand aesthetic in glass art. Over the 20
years, scores of artists from New Zealand and abroad have come to
Wanganui Glass School to teach and learn, to express and trial new
ideas, and to share their aesthetic insights and ideological
perspectives.
Wanganui Glass School aims to:
● Provide comprehensive education, including instruction in hot, kiln-formed and cold glass techniques
● Foster specialisation and the mastering of glass production skills, while encouraging a cross-disciplinary approach
● Provide students with a sound grounding in historical, theoretical and technical aspects of glass
● Prepare students for professional practice including tuition in Marketing and Business Management
● Establish and develop partnerships and collaborations with other tertiary providers to offer glass tuition as a component within Art and Design programmes locally and nationally
● Extend opportunities for students and staff to create networks with national and international artists, educators and institutions.
● Ensure individual instruction and mentoring by limiting our class numbers to 10 – 12 students
● Provide 24 hour access to well equipped studios
Tertiary training facility, Wanganui Glass School, delivers fully integrated training and education in glass art. This includes the nationally unique full time three year, level 6 Diploma in Glass Design and Production, and the four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts programme majoring in Glass.
Both these programmes are Wanganui Universal College of Learning (UCOL) programmes delivered in partnership with the Wanganui Glass School.
Shorter courses are available through the popular Glass Summer School, which consistently attracts students from throughout New Zealand and overseas.
Initially the Glass School (established 1989) was owned and managed by Wanganui Regional Community Polytechnic through to 2000 then UCOL to 2006.
UCOL on deciding to close the facility, entered into a partnership agreement with the Wanganui District Council to facilitate the transfer of the School ownership to the Council.
The Council’s newly established Private Training Establishment (PTE) called the Wanganui Educational Institute manages and funds the Glass School.
The programme, we offer students today, is an expansion on our 20 year history and now boasts excellent educational opportunities in the areas of hot glass, kiln formed glass and cold working.
The Wanganui Glass School is located north of the town and is within walking distance to Queens Park, the CBD and the quay. See map
