March 24, 2025
Kōwhai Canvas: celebrating creativity in Ōtautahi
At Kōwhai Creative, we believe in the power of creativity to uplift communities. That's why we launched Kōwhai Canvas - an initiative designed to transform our office windows at 267 St Asaph Street into a vibrant celebration of local talent. The mural competition invited artists to submit bold, eye-catching designs, with the winning piece earning a $2,000 cash prize and a prime spot on our windows.
The brief was simple: Celebrate what makes you and Ōtautahi special. We asked creatives to incorporate native flora and fauna, reflect the spirit of the creative industry, and weave in a nod to Christchurch. The results were nothing short of inspiring. The overwhelming response to Kōwhai Canvas has shown that when we give artists the space to express themselves, the whole community benefits.
Nestled in the heart of the SALT District, a hub for innovation and creativity, we wanted Kōwhai Canvas to champion the incredible artistic talent within our community. The competition was about more than just brightening up our space, it was about giving artists a platform to share their vision and tell their stories.
Ōtautahi is full of passionate creatives, and Kōwhai Canvas was our way of giving something back to the community that surrounds us. We received an overwhelming number of submissions, each one bringing a unique perspective on what makes our city special. From bold, colourful shapes to intricate illustrations, every design showcased the depth of talent in our local creative community. One of the key goals of Kōwhai Canvas was to encourage artists to think big and push the boundaries of their creativity, and they delivered. Each entry reflected the passion and imagination that make our city such an inspiring place to live and work. See their work here.
