Innovating Streets trial brings creativity to the CBD

On Saturday the 26^th of June, ‘Streets for people Kirikiriroa’ and King of Nothing presented ‘Kapow – Live Art in Carparks’ an all-day, free event in the CBD. The event took place on Ward Street as part of the nationwide Innovating Streets projects being trialled by Waka Kotahi with local councils.

‘Kapow’ showcased some of Hamilton’s best local street artists and talented young up and comers in the art scene. They were supported by live music.

The six artists featured were host Cameron Wilkinson – King of Nothing, Guy Moskon – Moskon Review, Nina Charlton – Bone Ugly, Jim Higgs, Pounamu Wharekawa – Pounamu Pounamu, Logan Dining – Lucid Creative and Chenoa Dawn. 

Each of the artists’ pieces were auctioned off with proceeds given to five youth-focused charities selected by the artists: Lifeline, KidsCan, Child Poverty Action, Kids In Need Waikato and True Colours.  

The artists were sponsored by Resene who donated test pots to be used for the art pieces.  A kids table was also set up for people to try out some of the products artists used, supported by  ACME, who donated Posca paint pens and chalk markers. 

Cameron Wilkinson, presenter of Kapow, has worked alongside the Innovating Streets Project, says that there has been “a tonne of misinformation circulating in terms of the project, such as where funding has come from, the number of car parks that were removed, the community groups that were involved with the planning process. Some people are making things up.”

The Innovating Streets project is helping 33 councils around New Zealand test out various street layouts, making it easier for people to walk and cycle, while also making town centres more inviting. 

Wilkinson says the project is about “rethinking how we view the streets in Hamilton’s CBD and looking at ways of future-proofing our CBD.” 

The Innovating Streets project has given us an easier look at ways to utilise the streets. Wilkinson adds that “it has also allowed for various artists and WINTEC media arts students to come down and work alongside artists like those featured in BOON street art festival.” 

“These streets are going to be looked at again in the future, it’s important for us to look at what does work and what may not work, This means our next steps can be informed with this process, without spending a lot of rates payers money, that’s a win,” Wilkinson says. 

This is one of the last events that will be running as it all wraps up next weekend as the trial ends in Hamilton on the fourth of July. 

Sponsors of Kapow – Live art in the car parks: Resene Paints, ACME (posca pens), CBD Events (Hamilton Central Business Association), Hamilton City Council and Waka Kotahi.