The annual Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards were held at the Beehive in Wellington this week
The awards recognise Pasifika Artists across all art forms in seven categories
The awards have been held every year since 1996 to celebrate excellence in Pacific Arts
Makerita Urale from Creative New Zealand says this year was no exception.
“One day a year, one evening a year, we celebrate excellence and Pacific arts across all artforms. So, it’s a really robust process, and it’s getting more and more competitive as our Pacific arts community really develops and expands.” Says Urale
Hosted by Paul Goldsmith, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, he remarked at how important it was to recognise Pasifika artists.
“New Zealand’s arts and creative scene is such a unique blend of, you know, Tagata Whenua, our Pasifika and the European strands that we have and all the many people that come,” he says..
“And so today to be able to celebrate the breadth of Pacific Arts is a wonderful occasion.”
The first award of the night went to Opera singer Emmanuel Fuimaono-Fonoti, who won the Iosefa Enari Memorial Award.
“It means the world to me, you know as a Polynesian opera singer, I’ve had a few before like in the generation before me pave the way, I’ve just been super glad to, I guess, make a name for myself and having my people behind me and so to get this recognition is incredible.” Says Fuimaono-Fonoti
The Pacific Contemporary Artist Award went to photographer Edith Amituanai.
“It’s really important, you want to be acknowledged by your community, get a stamp of approval, doing right by them,” she says.
The Emerging Pacific Artist Award went to Multi-disciplinarian Sione Monū
“It’s huge for me to have my family and friends and community be here with me and like, big things like this. Um, yeah, just making them proud.” Says Monū
Curator Taufau Leafa Wilson picked up the Special Recognition Award.
“Oftentimes in the arts, within the arts, and especially in Moana Pasifika arts, we don’t even see each other really. So, it’s so neat and it’s so nice… so special to be together and that sense of solidarity and aiga (family) is beautiful.” Says Wilson
Two recipients were awarded the Pacific Toa Award – which recognises the lived experience of disability to Pacific Arts. Max Stowers for music and vision-impaired painter Falefatu Carreras Enari.
The Pacific Heritage Arts Award went to the Wellington based Signature Choir and the Senior Pacific Award went to writer and poet Tusiata Avia.
