Kiwi coffee brand Zephyr Coffee Co. has partnered with Kākano Youth Arts Collective for their newest artist collaboration, featuring on their coffee bags, in-store point of sale and merchandise.
The Kākano initiative was developed by independent artist Mandy Patmore following a pilot programme established in 2013, recognising the needs of some of West Auckland’s most vulnerable young people, all of whom had 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, Patmore has been supported by a team of art tutors and youth support workers, enabling Kākano to run three 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 practising multidisciplinary artists, the rangatahi can 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 support this unique and special programme and have been working with their young artists to create a series of designs to showcase over the next 18 months,” said Patmore.
“Our first feature artist, 19-year-old Georgia, has been a member of Kākano for five years, and it has been incredible watching her design develop and evolve. Her interpretation draws from 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.”
She said that the background colours had been chosen to reflect the shades of a coffee cherry, and the Kōtare was inspired by the definition of Zephyr as a gentle breeze, capturing a sense of freedom, courage, and adventure.
The new artwork will be visible across all Zephyr partner outlets. A complete list of Zephyr partner cafes can be found on the website at http://www.zephyrcoffee.co.nz/stockists.
