Art in the City

Art in the City is a creative initiative to transform empty shop windows and spaces into vibrant showcases for local art.

By bringing colour, light and imagination into the spaces we pass every day, the project aims to bring a sense of aroha and creativity to revitalize the unique character of the city.

You will see windows popping up with local creativity over the next few months. Some feature the work of local artists. Other windows are project based collaborations to showcase community creativity. 

Below is more detail about each of the installations. The info will tell you about the projects, the artists, and the intention behind the work. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to acknowledge Rongowhakaata as mana whenua of our city centre in relation to this project. Here is a link to their website Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust

This project is generously supported by Gisborne District Council and Trust Tairāwhiti, and plays a small part towards the wider City Centre Revitalisation Programme.

TAIRAWHITI WILDLIFE STARS

Hospice Tairāwhiti and Tairāwhiti Environment Centre Collaboration.  38 Peel St.

Seven of Tairāwhiti’s wildlife creatures have been produced as giant soft sculptures by groups of young enthusiasts.

Art in the City brought Tairāwhiti Environment Centre and Hospice Tairāwhiti together to collaborate. With both sharing a strong environmental stance and commitment to working towards a sustainable future, it seemed a recipe for success. 

Resources and knowledge came together to create a learning and making experience for children through fun hectic school holiday workshops.

They learnt about some of the amazing creatures in our region and set about recreating them for an art display which would showcase their creations alongside information about the animals.

The making journey has been fun and colourful and the end result delivers a fun and educational window for inner city pedestrians which highlights some of our most special and vulnerable critters. 

Special thanks to Hospice Tairāwhiti and the Environment Centre, the sewing leaders, the participating children, DOC, Rebecca Pettitt and Kenzie Sampson. 

TINY GALLERY

Outside entry - HB Williams Memorial Library – 35 Peel St.

There is a flash new gallery in town! Three floors of crisp white walls, floor to ceiling glass, and the best part…its filled with young local talent!

The Tiny Gallery is located outside the Peel Street entrance of the library. The small space is currently being curated by the talented Steph Barnett who has been commissioned to deliver six shows over the course of a year. 

Steph shares her creative learnings with rangitahi through the IDEA School at EIT so we’re looking forward to seeing what they are going to roll out.

The first show is a collaboration with the SPCA where you can see illustrated drawings from the level 4 IDEA students of some of the adorable dogs and cats waiting for a home.

The second show is filled with handmade, handpainted snails by Yr 10 Campion College students.

The show comes with a seasonal message to slow down.

Thanks Steph and students for making another corner of our city a lot more interesting. 

HAPORI

By Michelle Hinekura Kerr - Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Te Whanau a Apanui, Te Whakatohea, Ngai Tuhoe, Ngati Raukawa - 63 Gladstone Road

This work celebrates the people and communities of Te Tairāwhiti, creating a space where everyone feels acknowledged and included. The installation encourages connection and positivity, bringing energy and vibrancy to the city centre while engaging viewers both close-up and from a distance. It reflects the stories, histories, and contributions of the region, inviting all to see themselves as part of a shared community. 

Strands of beads are the core of the work. Harakeke beads represent the strength of interwoven communities, beads with inspiring words offering encouragement to the people, and reflective glass beads mirroring viewers, reminding them of their place in our woven tapestry. Lastly, bought together in the woven vessel, these elements bring the idea of unity, connection, and resilience to life, highlighting the vibrancy and diversity of Te Tairāwhiti. 

Michelle Hinekura Kerr is a kairaranga, artist, curator, and wisdom keeper of Te Whare Pora. Descending from a whānau of weavers, Michelle continues the creative legacy of her whanau, honouring the intergenerational weaving matauranga continuity. Her work embodies the renewal and transmission of this body of knowledge for future generations. At the forefront of Michelle’s practice is the indigenous fibre arts, supported by painting and curatorial work. While her art practice appears contemporary at first glance, it is deeply grounded in kaupapa and tradition, expressing stories of whakapapa, connection, and cultural resilience. 

“Ka tipu te whaihanga e hika, ki Uawa!” — Let creativity flourish, my dear, in Uawa!

INFINITUDE

By Leah McCann - 58 Gladstone Road

The concept of endless possibility is explored through colour, texture and form as a visual reminder that when we focus our energy and imagination, anything is achievable. The painting and the text form a unified visual and emotional statement, creating a moment of quiet inspiration in the heart of the CBD — a reminder that creativity, resilience, and hope are living forces within us all.

Leah is an abstract and intuitive artist based in Gisborne.  You can see several of her murals around town. ‘I don’t plan my paintings — I simply begin, letting colour, movement, and instinct guide me. The objective of all my art is simple: to create a good feeling. Whether that’s joy, calm, or comfort, I want the viewer to leave with a lifted spirit. Ultimately, my art is about emotion — about leaving people feeling a little lighter, a little warmer, and reminded of the beauty that surrounds us every day.’

5 POSTERS

Lily Paris West - 46 Gladstone Road

Initially inspired by a love of the weathered sign writing around Gisborne, this archival project documents forgotten signage, symbols and objects from the region, remixing them respectfully with a spirit of fun and bright colour, into new words and designs. The project is research-based and plays into Lily’s strengths as a designer of unique, maximalist, uber colourful posters. The end result – a series of 5 posters that make our city the main event. If you look a little closer, you may find something familiar!

Lily is an independent maker with a playful, multidisciplinary practice that bridges art and commercial design. ‘My practice is an evolving journey in play, colour and deep research. I’m an eternal fan of bright projects that support culture, social values, and hospitality. For the over a decade I have been involved in contributing visual culture to the arts community and businesses as a designer and artist. 

I have received national awards for my work in creative design, book design and music. More info can be found on my website. 

Originally from Te Whanganui a Tara, I have spent every summer in Gisborne for the last 10 years and am now based here. It has been a great joy to discover so much visual wonder in the rich and complex history of the area; I hope with this project to deepen my understanding of the area and to share my findings back to the city.’