White Face Crew snap, crackle and Pop on wheels

A trio of hip-hop clowns on bikes will be a regular sight on Auckland's cycleways in the next fortnight.

The White Face Crew - Shortland Street actors Jarod Rawiri, Tama Jarman and Justin Haiu are part of a council-supported project bringing art into the streets.

Now in its third year, Pop, brings art to the people through a range of interactive performances and creative displays.

The crew, who have performed for Pop since its inception, occasionally bring in other performers.

Jarman said their roving act was in line with the initiative's vision to engage people with art in public spaces.

Using cycleways was also aimed at getting more people on their bikes.

"We have the same goal to make people happy," he said.

"It gets you out of your headspace."

His crew performs a range of hybrid performance art that include physical theatre, clowning, costumes, improvisation, hip-hop and contemporary dance.

Auckland Council head of strategy Tracey Williams said the project had grown over the past three years and was for the first time being expanded beyond the central city.

"The idea is we can share Pop now that we have established it as something that can be for all of Auckland, to share the love."

To find out more go to: pop.org.nz