02 Mar 2014
Before our Kila Kokonut Krew showcase of The Factory at APAM I stood in a circle with our team, arms joined as we quietly sang an old Samoan hymn together, tears flowing. We acknowledged our ancestors; the ones we were there representing by bringing our show to share with the rest of the world. It was one of those moments where amongst the chaos of a busy week, you stop and remember WHY. For me it was the defining moment of my week at APAM. It was about making connections with people as a means to share my Pasifika heritage and stories with the rest of the world.
There was a real sense of aiga within the New Zealand camp at APAM, as well as meeting and hearing from arts practitioners from all over the globe, I enjoyed many conversations with New Zealanders that I’m not sure I would have had back home. It made me appreciate the amazingly talented network of artists and arts support staff we have here in our own country.
The exposure to different presentations and performances was a bonus to the networking conversations. I found myself spoilt for choice looking through the APAM programme. From the chilling and melancholy Coranderrk to Trade Winds which transported me into another world, there was so much to see and each experience was so rich.
As an emerging Pasifika Producer, I felt a sense of comfort hearing other indigenous producers and artists speak about their own journeys and desires. I come away from APAM with a sense of being one small part of an international team, which excites me. I look forward to re-connecting with our network in the near future to discuss how we can support each other in our future endeavours.
Fa’afetai tele lava, Creative New Zealand. Thank you to APAM and also to the Queensland Conservatorium for allowing Kila Kokonut Krew’s The Factory to resonate within your beautiful walls (and hopefully within the hearts and pockets of a few interested parties!).
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