Tauranga mural artist Sam Allen is set to leave his mark on Japan — literally — with a large-scale mural as part of an international arts residency in the town of Namegawa.

The 25-year-old left on Thursday for a 14-day residency under the Creative Power Garage 101 – Pondalize Art Project, a cultural initiative based about an hour from central Tokyo.

The programme invites international artists to collaborate with communities through immersive art experiences.

“We believe that Sam’s artwork will not only contribute to the revitalisation of our community but also encourage the creation of new relationships and inspire future generations’ cultural expressions,” Pondalize Art Project Art Director Miyuki Kobayashi said.

“His work will delve into the spirit cherished by our ancestors and carry it forward into future activities.”

Pond water

Allen’s mural will be inspired by ‘Pond Culture’ — a tribute to traditional rice cultivation methods sustained by pond water in the region.

“Once I go around the community, I’ll decide on a design,” Allen said. “I’ll also be visiting museums in Tokyo and nearby areas to gather ideas.”

The artist, who applied online, said accommodation and meals were provided as part of the residency. His mural will cover an area roughly the size of a two-storey building.

“I feel really good about going,” he said.

Launched in 2020, the Pondalize Art Project was founded by a collective of 10 artists and researchers. It has since grown into a hub for cultural exchange, blending art, heritage, and environmental consciousness through shared living, creative projects, and exhibitions.

Allen has been a resident artist at Tauranga’s Incubator Creative Hub since he was 19, after being mentored by Bolivian artist Pablo Riaz during an international residency.

“Since then, Sam has been an integral part of the Creative Hub,” Incubator Creative Hub director Simone Anderson said.

“As a self-taught artist, he has steadfastly honed his craft and developed a deep connection with the local community.

Extraordinary

“Sam’s journey with us has been nothing short of extraordinary and the perfect example of how an early mentorship can spark motivation and give the tools for artists to self-develop and grow.”

With more than 30 public artworks to his name across New Zealand, Botswana, Namibia, and Australia, Allen is no stranger to travelling with his brushes. He said his journey won’t end in Japan.

“I don’t have a return date yet,” he said. “I’ll keep travelling around Asia — Korea and other places — and hope to continue painting murals along the way.”

Though his departure is bittersweet, Anderson said the team at the Incubator was proud of his next step.

“While we’re sad to see him go, we’re excited to see how his next adventure unfolds,” Anderson said.

“His legacy will continue to inspire many young people, and we look forward to seeing how he injects his spirit into the Pondalize project.”