ExpoRSA curating valuable learning experiences

Nick Dreyer

Tell us about your latest/current exhibitions.

Nick Dreyer: We are currently hosting “Terracotta Army and the First Emperor of China” and the “Power of Poison” exhibitions in South Africa for a year-long national tour.

The Terracotta Army And The First Emperor of China: The Exhibition, is an extraordinary voyage in ancient China of 2,200 years ago. It is, undeniably, the most complete exhibition ever created on the Terracotta Army, the necropolis, and life of the First Emperor. In an incredible staging, this exhibition brings together more than 300 life-size reproductions of statues, chariots, weapons and objects from the daily life of the first emperor of China, such as they were discovered in the more than 100 pits of the necropolis.

The Power of Poison: This striking exhibition explores poison’s paradoxical roles in nature, human health and history, literature, and myth. Whether as a defence against predators, a source of magical strength, or a lethal weapon used as lifesaving medical treatment, the story of poison is surprising at every turn.
Discover the toxic species that live in a remote Colombian forest, where poisons are just one of many tools in organisms’ struggles to survive. Learn about a variety of evolutionary strategies that serve animals and plants and see live animals up close

The Power of Poison exhibition is unique. Why did you choose to exhibit on it?

Dreyer: It was an easy choice, I am a life long fan of the Museum of Natural History in New York, it is simply spectacular. The opportunity to bring one of their award winning exhibitions to South Africa was a rare opportunity that we had to seize. The subject matter is fascinating as well and resonates so well here in South Africa. It is incredibly educational and entertaining in the fields of biology, science, and cultural history. Our commitment to bringing educational exhibitions is strong and this may be the best exhibition on that front.

What do you think makes it especially attractive to teachers and students?

Dreyer: This exhibition (and all our others) come complete with sophisticated school curriculums, in this case, designed by the American Museum of Natural History. We provide these for free on our website. We believe that a curated learning experience that is delivered in an entertaining and interactive way is richly rewarding for students. A visit to the exhibition armed with a comprehensive curriculum is a strong draw for educators and students of all age levels. Our “Teachers enter for free campaign” has been a big success and is crucial in our efforts to expose educators to our exhibitions and their purpose.

ExpoRSA’s exhibitions has a focus on educational enrichment for learners. Why is this focus important?

Dreyer: I was very lucky in life to have visited museums all over the world and my memories of those experiences are vivid and rich. When travelling exhibitions sought to reach markets outside of Europe and America I felt it important and opportune to bring them to South Africa. We wanted to bring world-class learning experiences to South Africa where the majority of learners would not have the opportunity to travel abroad to see them.

Would you say that visual learning is more impactful? What does ExpoRSA do to ensure that students are left with memorable experiences?

Dreyer: Providing a multi-dimensional learning experience is refreshing, especially when most learning takes place on 2D computer screens. Learners that visit our exhibitions get to see, touch, feel and listen their way through a subject matter that is important and fun. We provide audioguides, curriculums, and live performances to enhance the exhibition experiences.

How many professionals in the education industry visit the exhibitions and make use of the curriculum material that you provide free access to?

Dreyer: We have had almost a hundred thousand learners visit our exhibitions, more than a thousand teachers and our curriculums have been distributed to hundreds of schools.

What do you do to reach out to teachers and educational institutions to make sure that they are aware the resources you offer?

Dreyer: We have a very strong schools program that we have built up over the last three years. We have gained the trust and support of a big schools base and we now communicate directly with them regarding our exhibitions. We are also partnered with the D6 Communicator, the largest communication tool for parents and schools in South Africa.

Any parting words to educators out there who should be using/visiting ExpoRSA’s resources?

Dreyer: Expo RSA is committed to bringing world-class museum exhibitions to South Africa, we choose only the highest quality exhibitions with a proven track record and strong educational program. Educators will find value in our exhibitions and our doors are open to engaging with schools and universities to ensure that a visit to one of our exhibitions is rewarding and memorable.