06 Aug 2012
Outstanding Aotearoa artists will present their work at the world’s largest festival of contemporary, indigenous art in Canada this month.
Outstanding Aotearoa artists will present their work at the world’s largest festival of contemporary, indigenous art in Canada this month.
Planet IndigenUSis a multi-disciplinary festival that promotes indigenous artists and cultures from around the world. Over 350 artists will be involved in the 10 day festival which draws crowds of over 200,000.
Established in 2004, Planet IndigenUS partners with over 20 organisations across Toronto and Brantford, including the two main festival sites Harbourfront Centre and Woodland Cultural Centre.
Creative New Zealand is supporting the following artists to appear at Planet IndigenUS; musical groups Rhombus and Pacific Curls, storyteller and tikanga (Māori protocols) expert Joe Harawira, dancer and choreographer Charles Koroneho and theatre production house, Tawata Productions.
“The artists will present high quality art from Aotearoa and be powerful ambassadors for our country and culture. International opportunities like these are essential for New Zealand artists to develop professionally and ensure our stories are told authentically, on a world stage” says Cath Cardiff, Senior Manager Arts Policy, Capability and International at Creative New Zealand.
Planet IndigenUSfestival provides an opportunity for indigenous artists to meet and grow cultural and institutional networks. The New Zealand artists will perform their work and participate in the Presenters and Visitors Programme which includes workshops and panel discussions. The schedule is designed to provide maximum opportunities for artists to view new artwork and connect with other artists and producers.
In 2009, Creative New Zealand led a delegation of six artists/companies to perform at Planet IndigenUS. That lead on to musical trio Pacific Curls collaborating with Dene/Canadian singer Leela Gilday on an Aboriginal Peoples Television Network broadcast special in Canada and a performance at one of Canada’s premier music festivals, The Winnipeg Folk Festival.
Planet IndigenUSruns from 10-19 August, 2012. The festival encompasses education, outreach, youth projects, commissions, professional development and internships throughout Canada.
ENDS
Artist bios
Pacific Curls www.pacificcurls.com
Over the years the three members of Pacific Curls have accumulated an impressive instrumental collection featuring the ukulele, cajon, fiddle, taonga puoro (traditional Maori instruments), guitar, stomp box, kalimba, various percussive instruments and vocals with lyrics in te reo Maori, Rotuman and English. Kim Halliday (Rotuman/NZ Scottish), Ora Barlow (Te Whanau-a-Apanui/English) and Jessie Hindin perform music with depth and originality that touches the inner essence of their musicality.
Rhombus www.rhombus.co.nz
The iconic Rhombus sound is a seamless blend of hip-hop, soul, funk, dub and bass and roots-reggae, blended together with socially conscious lyrics. It has forged a well-deserved reputation and following among New Zealand and international audiences for its eclectic, original and energetic live shows.
Rhombushas consistently been awarded including New Zealand’s Most Promising New Act in 2002; Best Video, Best Electronic Album and Best Album at 2003’s New Zealand b-Net Music Awards and “Best Aotearoa Roots Album finalist” at the NZ 2006 Music Awards.
Joe Harawira www.maoriart.org.nz/joe-harawira-p-163.html
Joe Harawira is a storyteller and tikanga (protocols) expert from the Waikato region who represents Aotearoa/New Zealand at indigenous storytelling gatherings around the world. His tribal affiliations are Ngati Maniapoto, Ngai te Rangi and Ngati Awa.
Charles Koroneho www.tetokiharuru.com
Charles Koroneho is a founding member of Te Kanikani O Te Rangatahi (1983), graduate of the New Zealand School of Dance (1987) and Elam School of Fine Arts (1997). He has performed extensively in New Zealand and abroad with Michael Parmenter’s Commotion Company, The Royal New Zealand Ballet, Taiao Dance Theatre, MAU, Min Tanaka and Guillermo Gomez-Pena. In 1998, Koroneho was appointed to the board of Dance Aotearoa New Zealand as a Maori Dance Director, a position he held until 2006. Koroneho was appointed to the board of MIC Toi Rerehiko, an Interdisciplinary Arts Organisation in 2008.
Tawata Theatre www.tawata.wordpress.com
Tawata Productions is a Maori production house established in 2001 specialising in the development and production of new work from emerging and established writers from around the Aotearoa New Zealand. Tawata proudly presents the diverse voices of writers from Aotearoa New Zealand to the world beyond. Tawata’s work includes the multiple award winning I, George Nepia by Hone Kouka (Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards’ Production of the Year 2011), The Mourning After by Ahi Karunaharan, He Reo Aroha by Jamie McCaskill and Miria George.
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