Get Up, Get Involved, and Get Colourful!

Wendy Richards from Volunteering New Plymouth

It’s that time again when Taranaki gets ready to sparkle — paintbrushes in hand, music in the air, and creativity bursting from every corner! Get Up Fest is back from March 2nd to 9th, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most vibrant events on our calendar.
This isn’t your average art show. Get Up Festival is a celebration of community and creativity that transforms New Plymouth into a living, breathing gallery. Across venues in the CBD and at East End, artists will be painting murals each day on walls, bridges, and buildings — turning our city into a giant open-air canvas. There’ll be live music, a graffiti battle, an exhibition, and even a public “give it a go” 30-metre wall, where everyone’s encouraged to pick up a brush or a can and add their mark.
Now, as you can imagine, a festival like this doesn’t just happen on its own — it takes a great team of volunteers to help make it all flow smoothly. That’s where you come in!

We’re calling for volunteers from March 6th to 9th to join the team and be part of the action. There are plenty of roles to choose from — some public-facing (like greeting visitors, or helping at events), and others behind-the-scenes (assisting artists, helping with setup and logistics, or making sure the spaces look welcoming and tidy).
If you enjoy working alongside creative people, some roles even involve supporting the artists directly — helping them get set up, fetching supplies, or just being that friendly, steady hand as their masterpieces unfold. It’s an incredible chance to see the artistic process up close and feel part of something truly inspiring.
And here’s a bonus: if you’re looking to build your CV or gain experience in event management or public art projects, this is a fantastic opportunity. You’ll be part of a fun, supportive team, learn heaps along the way, and help deliver something that will live on in our city long after the paint dries.
If you’ve volunteered at WOMAD New Zealand before or love being part of lively community events, this one’s right up your alley — colourful, hands-on, and bursting with good energy. You’ll need to be able to transport yourself to venues, but trust me, the experience will be more than worth it.
Volunteering is what brings these kinds of events to life — and helps our city shine. So, if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and be part of a dynamic, creative, and joy-filled week, come join us and help deliver this incredible outdoor art experience.
Let’s get up, get involved, and help paint the town — literally!
To register your interest or find out more, contact:
Volunteering New Plymouth
Wendy at admin@vnp.nz phone 06 758 8986 or text 022 571 4228 and join this amazing event.