03 Aug 2025
For the next eight weeks, interdisciplinary artist and director Aloalii Tapu (Solosolo, Saleilua-Falealili), will trade the suburbs of Titirangi for the blue waters of Samoa as the 2025 Artist in Residence.
The residency is delivered by Pacific Dance New Zealand with support from Creative New Zealand through the Pacific Arts Strategy 2023-2028. It aims to support artists to undertake research and connect with local practitioners and communities to grow their practice.
Aloalii joins a distinguished line-up of past recipients, including Fiona Collins, Ioane Ioane, and Siliga Setoga.
“I’m looking forward to connecting with creatives who are keeping Samoa’s arts scene alive, especially with the Teuila Festival being cancelled and an election year underway. It’s a chance to learn and see where the energy is flowing,” says Aloalii.
Aloalii has spent over 10 years working as a creative across Aotearoa and Europe. His work blends futurism, reimagine memory, and collective dreaming. While in Fagali‘i, he plans to expand on these ideas by working with local artists and running workshops alongside his wife and Ta’alili co-director, Tori Manley-Tapu.
Iosefa Enari MNZM, Pacific Dance New Zealand director, says Aloalii is part of a new wave of performers who are reshaping contemporary Pacific dance.
“This is a space for him to explore and connect with fellow creatives in Samoa and see how these places and stories influence his future works,” says Iosefa.
This trip to Samoa is made even more special because his children and his father and long-term collaborator, Folasaitu Laloaoa Tapu, are joining him.
“I’m excited for my children to see Samoa and experience the places, people, and the stories that shape us. Having my dad there means a lot because he’s been a strong contributor of our work. It’s a time for us to create work that speaks to who we are and where we’re heading as collective dreamers.”
“I’m also looking forward to showing my extended aiga what I create and to share that part of myself with them,” says Aloalii.
Ali Foa’i, Manager Cultivation – Pacific Arts, is thrilled with Aloalii’s appointment and is excited to see how the residency impacts his practice.
“Aloalii brings such depth and originality to everything he does. This is a chance for him to be creatively nourished by our partners in Samoa. He will no doubt be well looked after by Sefa and the team,” says Ali.
Aloalii will begin his residency in August and finish in September.
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