NZ Artists Connect with Indigenous Art Worldwide

Creative New Zealand Media Release
13 July 2009

New Zealand Artists Connect Creatively In A Worldwide Celebration Of Indigenous Art

For ten days in August, eight New Zealanders will be participating as part of the Canadian Planet IndigenUs Festival - the world’s largest and most prestigious multi art form indigenous arts festival.

Creative New Zealand has funded musicians; King Kapisi, Pacific Curls, Joe Harawira, artist Michael Parekowhai, playwright Dianna Fuemana, Maori theatre company Tawata Productions and film maker Sima Urale through the Creative New Zealand International programme.

Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright said it will provide the opportunity for these artists to develop fantastic international links as well as presenting New Zealand’s indigenous art to new audiences.

The invitation to these artists came from artistic producer Melanie Fernandez who participated in Creative New Zealand’s Te Manu Ka Tau Flying Friends programme in March. This programme develops international markets and audiences for New Zealand art. Fernandez attended the Auckland Festival, Pasifika Festival and WOMAD Taranaki as part of her visit.

The Planet IndigenUs multi-disciplinary arts festival will explore indigenous cultures through its artists. Indigenous artists from around the world will share their creativity in a series of interactive performances, workshops, and hands-on artistic/community collaboration projects. The festival embraces the role of art in indigenous life and celebrates the innovation, adaptability and evolution of indigenous identity.

Creative New Zealand continues to seek opportunities for New Zealand artists in international markets. A New Zealand delegation will be attending the Western Arts Alliance (WAA) arts market in Phoenix, Arizona from 31 August - 4 September. Artists attending include Taki Rua Productions, Don McGlashan, Indian Ink Theatre, Swing Management and National Theatre for Children. CNZ will seek international links with Arts Councils, other government agencies, festivals (literary and performing), as well as promoting indigenous exchange and sourcing American contacts for the Te Manu Ka Tau Flying Friends programme.

Performance dates for New Zealand artists performing at the Planet IndigenUs Festival.

Sima Urale Film Aug 18 O Tamaiti, Velvet Dreams & Still Life
Pacific Curls Music Aug 15
King Kapisi Music Aug 22
Mihirangi Music Aug 23
Joe Harawira Storytelling Aug 22/23
newwayintheatre' Theatre Aug 21/22 Fale Malama
Tawata Productions Theatre Aug 15 / 17 He Reo Aroha
Michael Parekowhai Visual ArtAug 14-23 Rabbit installation

More details can be found at www.creativenz.govt.nz/international

Biographies for artists attending are below.

Bios for artists attending

Sima Urale
Sima Urale, Samoa’s first female filmmaker, has brought touching stories of Pacific peoples and other cultures to the screen. Noted for her sensitivity for character, Urale credits her film success to determination and dealing with social issues close to her heart.

King Kapisi
King Kapisi is a New Zealand-based Samoan and is the Pacific's most influential hip-hop artist. He has had continued success across Australasia and the Pacific and has toured extensively in Europe.

Pacific Curls
Transcending the seams of Maori, Pasifik and Celtic culture, Pacific Curls have travelled the world with their impressive array of instruments: taonga puoro (Maori traditional instruments), ukelele, cajun, fiddle, guitar, percussion and those gorgeous vocals.

Mihirangi
Mihirangi sound can be described as soulful world roots and loops. Currently on a Canadian summer tour, her powerful sound has been captured on the NO War EP with 3 ‘live in the studio’ tracks and 'No War' an up tempo dance song about the war of global resources in pristine world environments.

Joe Harawira
Tribal Affiliation: Ngati Maniapoto, Ngai te Rangi, Ngati Awa. Joe was born and bred in Whakatane, in the North Island of New Zealand. He is a storyteller, and an expert in tikanga (protocols) and is a passionate teacher and performer of kapahaka (perfoming arts) from Waikato. He has toured many times internationally, taking his skill in Maori storytelling and oratory with him to indigenous and storytelling festivals.

Newwayintheatre
Newwayintheatre is a leading Pacific Island Producer whose past productions include My Mother Dreaming, Mapaki and The Packer.

Tawata Productions
Tawata Productions is a kaupapa Maori theatre company, established in 2001. Founded by senior playwright/producer Hone Kouka Tawata Productions produces the very best of Maori and Pacific theatre, touring throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand and the world.

Michael Parekowhai
Sculptor Michael Parekowhai is one of New Zealand’s most important contemporary practitioners. In addition to an extensive exhibition history, his work is held in all significant public and private collections throughout New Zealand and Australia, as well as major works in permanent collections across the Asia-Pacific region and Europe.

ENDS

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