South African Tourism and Citi Bike have launched a month-long partnership which will bring South Africa’s unique art and culture to the streets of New York City. Together, the organizations are encouraging New Yorkers and visitors to the city to try out the iconic blue bikes and be inspired to travel to South Africa.The partnership, in conjunction with South Africa’s national airline, South African Airways, will include 30 South Africa-branded Citi Bike docking stations across the city showcasing the variety of safari, adventure and cultural experiences holidaymakers can have in South Africa, while the pièce de résistance will be an original art mural dedicated to world-renowned South African artist, Esther Mahlangu. Imani Shanklin Roberts, the up-and-coming New York-based visual artist - whose works feature a strong Afrocentric perspective on identity – has designed an original mural paying homage to Esther Mahlangu by the Franklin Street and West Broadway Citi Bike station in Tribeca. Citi Bike members can also access a special vacation package created by South African Airways Vacations, to experience the culture of Johannesburg and historic Soweto by bicycle.To officially mark the launch of the partnership, there will be a ribbon cutting event at 9:30am on Wednesday, September 13, with Esther Mahlangu, Imani Shanklin Roberts and local officials in attendance to honor Ms. Mahlangu’s impact on modern art around the world. This will take place at 9:30am in front of the mural on Franklin Street and West Broadway. On Saturday, September 16, Citi Bike and South African Tourism will co-host a South Africa-themed Block Party adjacent to the art installation, where riders will be able to take a rest from their blue bikes to enjoySouth African food like Boerewors Rolls. The party will include a pop-up food truck, face painting and music. Travel ambassadors will also be on site to share information about the South African vacation package. This event is open to the public from 12:00pm – 3:00pm that day.CreditsAgencies: Ascendent Sports Group, Universal McCannClients: Citi Bike and South African Tourism