The Boon Street Art Festival was co-founded by Lighthouse Co-CEO Paul Bradley in 2015. Responding to a need for urban transformation in the city of Hamilton, New Zealand, Paul initiated the annual festival in which 10 artists paint walls over a 3-7 day period. At the time, the CBD had many empty shops and low visitor rates. Remaining businesses were struggling and the city centre wasn’t seen as a desirable place to work and play.

The festival had an immediate impact on Hamilton, literally changing the face of the city. The explosion of colour and creativity gave people hope, joy and pride in their city. 

Lighthouse Director Craig McClure took the reins of the festival in 2019 and grew the festival significantly, growing the support base and bringing in international artists.

Since then, the Boon Street Art Festival has seen almost 100 murals painted around the Hamilton city centre and nearby suburbs. The murals continue to be a major source of pride for Hamltonians and help to attract national and international visitors.