Parts of the Palmerston North CBD received a special lick of paint, with local and international artists invited to use the city walls as their canvas during the international street art festival “Street Prints Papaioea 2020”.
The festival welcomed 10 international artists to join locals, including SwiftMantis and Gembol, to work on 20 large-scale murals dotted around the city. The murals were done in collaboration with around 40 talented local youth, giving them the chance to learn from some of the world’s greatest talent while creating vibrant, unique artworks for their hometown.
The result? An epic trail of street art and murals in the heart of Palmerston North, adding to many existing loved pieces of art that adorn the walls of the city. You’ve probably already come across some of the pieces, but for many you’ll have to get off the beaten track to discover. From hidden laneways and colourful nooks, to sky-high buildings, take the time to explore the city’s latest, most gram-worthy artworks.
The theme of the festival, developed in partnership with Rangitāne o Manawatū, was “kua kakahutia te rangimarie”, or “under the cloak of peace” and has resulted in some unbelievable works of art. So, pick up a map from the Palmerston North City i-SITE (or use the one below) to discover life-like monster-sized cats, beautiful native birds, celebrations of our cultures, and whimsical art works clambering up buildings.
