A lantern, a dumpling, a stalk of bamboo and a delicate plum blossom sit alongside a reclining panda in Lulu Wei’s contribution to Motueka’s latest welcome gesture for international newcomers.
The design is one of 32 contributions to a mandala-inspired artwork featuring words and symbols for welcome in a range of languages.
Mounted on the side of Motueka Community House facing Decks Reserve, the artwork was created to help newcomers feel welcomed to, and represented within, the community.
The project is a collaboration between Motueka Arts Council and the Motueka branch of Multicultural Nelson Tasman, funded through the Tasman District Council Creative Communities Scheme.
Multicultural Nelson Tasman Motueka community coordinator, Sez Fyfe, says the artwork aims to help migrants and newcomers feel “truly, warmly welcomed to our district”.
“We believe that the fabric of our community is made better, and stronger, by having people from different countries and cultures living and working here. We hope this mandala acknowledges that.”
Project manager Dani Louis says that being involved in the initiative was a pleasure.
She was delighted to see contributors gradually lower their barriers and share ideas that gave others a glimpse into their cultures.
A German pretzel, a Japanese dragon and a Bulgarian rose sit alongside the segment created by Lulu, whose chosen symbols all represent aspects of her native China.
She says the plum blossom is admired for its beauty, even in cold weather, symbolising hope, strength and resilience.
The dumpling and lantern are a nod to celebration and family.
And the bamboo?
“Regardless of the environment, it just grows straight up.”
Lulu says that she joined the project to help create a sense of belonging for other Chinese nationals.
She describes Motueka as “such a lovely community” where all cultures are welcome.
