25 Oct 2023
Expressions of interest are now open for artists to be part of the artist delegation and youth ambassadors to FestPAC 2024 in Hawaii.
FestPAC is more than an artistic showcase, it is a chance to shape positive outcomes with the Pacific and beyond. As Paula Carr, senior manager of Māori Strategy and Partnerships, outlines, “Celebrating art and culture at FestPAC is not just about displaying our creative talents, it is about the opportunity to build on Aotearoa NZ’s participation in the festival and its more than 50 year legacy to drive positive outcomes within the Pacific. It is also about the power of art to shed light on global issues like climate change, bring joy to kanaka Māoli in Hawai’i who have endured devastation from the Maui fires, and support a united front for matters close to Pacific communities' hearts.”
Delegates will be thoughtfully selected to align with Toi Aotearoa, Creative New Zealand’s Te Hā and Pacific Arts strategy and FestPAC’s vision. The delegation will focus on nurturing talent in Contemporary Māori arts, Contemporary Pacific arts, and Traditional arts, encompassing disciplines such as whakairo, tāonga pūoro, raranga, and more.
Opportunities abound for 2-4 youth (Māori and Pacific) ambassadors to participate in a youth leadership initiative at FestPAC. Carr explains, “Rangatahi from Aotearoa will join with youth, representing diverse backgrounds from approximately 27 Pacific Island nations and territories in February in Fiji and reunite in Hawai’i at FestPAC to lead the charge on a shared youth agenda.”
While the delegation includes Māori performing artists and kaihoe waka, Creative New Zealand is already collaborating with Te Matatini and waka tohunga for their participation, with specific arrangements in progress. Therefore, there is no need to submit applications related to these roles.
The overarching theme for the Aotearoa Delegation at FestPAC 2024 is ‘Taku Hoe’ symbolising the roles and responsibilities of kaihoe (paddlers), and kaiurungi (navigators) within the FestPAC vision of the Regeneration of Oceania. The guiding principle for the Aotearoa delegation is "He Herenga Kura, He Herenga Tangata, Ki Hawaiki" which means, “Uniting Treasure and People to Hawaiki.”
The creative direction of the Toi Aotearoa Delegation postulates the theme as being aligned to the Kahukura kōrero from Te Whare Wānanga o Te Whare Tāpere nui o Whātonga narrative about the return journey from Aotearoa to Hawaiki to retrieve kūmara tubers (sweet potato) as told by Pita Kāpiti and Mohi Tūrei. The hoe symbolises solidarity and unity during this journey, while the kūmara represents a connection among Pacific Rim peoples and the significance of food in culture. It highlights the importance of sharing and celebrating the sweetness of Tāngata Moana (Pacific people).
If you would like to express your interest, see Find opportunities - Festival of Pacific arts and Culture to check if you meet the eligibility criteria, what you need to include in your expression of interest and how to submit it.
Expressions of interest need to be submitted by 1pm Wednesday 8 November 2023.
For enquiries or assistance, please contact us at festpac2024@creativenz.govt.nz
For Media enquiries, contact: media@creativenz.govt.nz
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