Client: Mixit

Agency: Goodfolk

Collaborators: Natasha Vermeulen (design and photography)

When refugee and migrant teens arrive in New Zealand, they are often totally overwhelmed by their new environment. They sound different, look different, are different to most of the people around them. They try their best to bridge their gap between their own culture and their new lives. It's hard, but they give it everything.

But some days, they just want the chance to be themselves. And for hundreds of young people over the last 20 years, their day for being themselves is Saturday. Because Saturday is the day they go to Mixit to be with their friends and learn from New Zealand's best actors, dancers, musicians and choreographers.

To celebrate Mixit's 10th birthday festival, we created a visual representation of the vibrant coming together of cultures that helps turn unsure youths into confident adults.

Fast forward to now and my relationship with Mixit has continued to evolve — I’m now volunteer as Chair of their board, one of the most fulfilling roles I’ve ever held.