For this year’s Manawatū World Refugee Day celebrations in Palmerston North, MRRF and HOW² commissioned artist Louise Billinghurst to lead a collective art project.
Participants created flowers, trees, and butterflies in the colours of their country of origin, which were then collaged onto a backdrop of the Manawatū landscape. For many adults, the process was deeply moving as they decorated their stencils and watched them become part of the shared artwork. Children approached it with playfulness, some even choosing the colours of their favourite sports teams. Together, these contributions reflected both the weight of migration carried by parents and the optimism of a new generation daring to dream.
The finished artwork stands as a powerful symbol of the rich social fabric formed by the many cultures and ethnicities that now call Manawatū home.
This collaborative piece was created by former refugees, migrants, and local residents of Manawatū as a commitment to stand together with refugees. It recognises the challenges faced both in New Zealand and abroad, and celebrates the strength and unity that emerges when communities come together in solidarity.
The artwork has been on display at the local library and will continue to rotate through other libraries around the city, as well as at IPU. If your workplace or organisation would like to host the piece, please contact Hayley at hayley@how.kiwi
