Local Collab Turns Pizza Boxes into Meals for the Community

Napier’s most creative collaboration is back. Art Feeds II is serving up art with heart in support of food rescue charity Nourished for Nil.

Now on at Boyd-Dunlop Gallery, the exhibition of finalist pizza-box artworks runs until 26 September. Each box has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind piece by local creatives and is up for silent auction, with all proceeds going directly to Nourished for Nil to support their mahi reducing food waste and feeding the Hawke’s Bay community. Running during the school holidays, the exhibition also makes for a free, family-friendly outing – a chance to see how everyday pizza boxes have been turned into works of art.

Vinci’s Pizza and Boyd-Dunlop Gallery, neighbours in Napier’s CBD, came together last year on the idea as a natural fit – pizza boxes as playful canvases tied to pop culture, paired with a gallery platform for artists of all ages and stages. The result is a collaboration that unites food, art, and community in one unique project.

Last year’s Art Feeds raised an impressive $6,000 for Nourished for Nil and proved so popular that doing it again was a no-brainer. 

Vincent Michaelsen, owner of Vinci’s Pizza says they donate their end-of-day slices to Nourished for Nil, so teaming up with a food-related charity felt fitting. “There’s also a nice irony in flipping the stereotype of the starving artist – through Art Feeds, artists are literally helping put food on people’s plates.”

Christina McBeth, Nourished for Nil’s CEO, says the creative Art Feeds fundraiser brilliantly connects art, food and community. “We’re deeply grateful to Boyd-Dunlop Gallery and Vinci’s Pizza for their continued support, and to the artists and the public for getting behind this inspiring initiative. 

Last year’s generous contribution directly supported our food rescue services through the purchase of a refrigerated shipping container, helping us redistribute surplus food to the community and reduce waste by diverting over 1000 tonnes of food from landfill.”

Richard and Elisa Boyd-Dunlop, co-directors of Boyd-Dunlop Gallery say they love how Art Feeds bridges the gap between people of all ages and stages in their art careers. “It makes art accessible – both to create and to collect – while raising money for a cause that matters.”

It all wraps up with a bang at the closing party and live auction, Friday 26 September, 5.30-7.30pm at Boyd-Dunlop Gallery, 4 Hastings St serving up spot prizes, beats from DJ Sneeky Soph, and refreshments.