International artists, local communities, and environmental organisations come together through public art exploring ocean conservation, climate resilience, and the relationship to the moana.
Sea Signals recently brought a new series of large-scale murals and public activations to Ōtautahi Christchurch, focusing on themes connected to the ocean, climate change, and marine conservation. Presented by Flare Ōtautahi Street Art Festival in collaboration with Watch This Space and PangeaSeed, the initiative connected local and international artists with scientists, researchers, and communities through public art. Montana Cans and local partners like Rinley’s Writer Supplies supported the project with art materials including Montana GOLD and Montana BLACK, helping to realise murals across the city and coastal communities throughout the programme.
The first completed mural on Manchester Street was created collaboratively by Kophie Su’a-Hulsbosch and Monti Masiu. Supported by Christchurch City Council’s Climate Adaptation team, the work reflects on sea-level rise and its impact across the Pacific, setting the tone for the wider Sea Signals programme running through February 2026.
“Public art has a unique ability to start conversations,” says festival director Selina Faimalo. “Sea Signals uses creativity to connect people to what’s happening in our oceans and why it matters, both locally and across the wider Pacific.”
Artists participating in the project included Shar Tui’asoa, Kophie Su’a-Hulsbosch, Monti Masiu, Kell Sunshine, Fintan Magee, and Bond Truluv, alongside Māori artists and creatives from Aotearoa as well as further international contributors. Alongside the murals, Sea Signals also featured talks, screenings, and community activations designed to encourage conversations around ocean protection, climate resilience, and environmental responsibility through accessible public engagement. Founded in 2012, PangeaSeed is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to ocean conservation through art and activism. By connecting artists, scientists, and communities, the organisation develops projects around the world that use visual storytelling to raise awareness about marine ecosystems and environmental challenges.
All images by PangeaSeed