COLLAB: Zephyr x Kākano Youth Arts Collective

Ki te mea ka taka te kākano ki te wāhi e tika ana ka tinaku, ā, ka pihi ake he tipu hou.

If a seed falls in the right place it will germinate and a new seedling will sprout.

We are so excited to launch our new artist collaboration series with Kākano Youth Arts Collective.

The initiative was developed by independent artist Mandy Patmore from a pilot programme in 2013 as a response to recognising the needs of some of the most vulnerable young people in West Auckland; all of whom have struggled with mainstream education. Since then it has grown into a hugely successful initiative, and has changed the lives of many young people.

Continuing in her role as Creative Director Mandy is supported by her team of art tutors and youth support workers, enabling Kākano to run 3 sessions a week for the rangatahi, working closely with Oranga Tamariki, NZ Police, alternative education providers, youth services and local government. Under the guidance of these highly experienced tutors, all of whom are practicing multi-disciplinary artists, the rangatahi are given the opportunity to develop their art practice, increase their confidence and strengthen their self worth.

Alongside the studio sessions, Kākano has a strong presence in the wider community, creating murals and artworks for public spaces, allowing the group to develop real, tangible skills that can be applied to multiple pathways in the future.

We are proud to be supporting this unique and special programme and have been working with their young artists to create a series of designs to showcase across our Zephyr coffee bags and in store point of sale, plus limited edition merchandise over the next 18 months. Keep on reading to learn more about the first of our feature artists.

Facebook: Kākano Youth Arts Collective 

Instagram: @kakanoyoutharts

Introducing our first artist Georgia Sykes

19-year-old Georgia has been a member of Kākano for 5 years, and it has been an incredible privilege watching her design develop & evolve. Her interpretation draws from both the journey of our coffee and the distinct personality of the Zephyr brand.

Her approach combines a detailed depiction of a native Kōtare bird with an abstract background. The background colours chosen to reflect the shades of a coffee cherry, and the Kōtare inspired by the definition of Zephyr as a gentle breeze, capturing a sense of freedom, courage, and adventure.

Let’s hear more from Georgia below ↓

We absolutely adore her design, and we hope you will too! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook (@zephyrcoffeeco) and Instagram (@zephyrcoffeenz) for exclusive content and competitions.

Also, be sure to check out @artby.msgsykes on Instagram.