Pacific Arts Festival - 2004

15 July 2004

Pacific Arts Festival - 2004

About the Festival The Festival of Pacific Arts has been held every four years since 1972. It is well-established and recognised as a premier event and instrument for regional relations and the preservation of the Pacific’s cultural heritage.

Twenty-seven Pacific Island countries and territories participate in the festival. They are American Samoa, Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Belau (Palau), Cook Islands, Easter Island, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji Islands, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Kanaky (New Caledonia), Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna. Provisional list of country representatives in Appendix 1.

Aotearoa New Zealand has had a delegation at every Festival. These delegations have been funded through Te Waka Toi, the Maori arts board of Creative New Zealand since 1994. Te Waka Toi’s support for the Festival is a way of assisting indigenous cultures of the Pacific to preserve, maintain and develop their artforms. For the first time, the Council of Creative New Zealand will fund Aotearoa New Zealand’s participation at the 2004 Festival. Artists involved benefit through the exchange of ideas; and the sharing of knowledge, skills, techniques, and the uses of different media and materials with artists from throughout the Pacific.

The Council of Pacific Arts, established after the first festival, oversees the Festival’s operations on behalf of the Conference of the Pacific Community.

The Festival theme for 2004 is Oltobed a Malt: Nurture, Regenerate and Celebrate. Art forms on display include, traditional and contemporary visual arts, weaving, wood, bone and stone carving, tapa making, tattooing, jewellery, clay work – pottery, photography, film, costume and fashion design, floral arts, traditional medicine and healing arts, traditional canoe building and navigational craft, literary arts, oratory and storytelling, song, dance, theatre. There is also a series of symposium, debates and workshops. About Palau/Belau The Republic of Palau is an archipelago 458 square kilometres in area. It is located south-east of the Philippines, south of Guam and north of Papua New Guinea. The indigenous name for the islands is “Beluu er a Belau” but the short form of this name, “Belau”, is commonly used.

Belau’s population is approximately 19,700. Most of the population inhabits about eight of the 300 islands. There are three main islands: Babeldoab, the biggest island stretching 44 kilometres in length and 24 kilometres in width; Koror, the capital; and the Rock Islands, renowned for snorkelling, diving and other water recreation activities. The population of Koror is 12,300.

Palau has a constitutional government in free association with the USA: the Compact of Free Association entered into force 1 October 1994. The President, since January 2001, is Tommy Esang Remengesau Jr. Note: The President is both head of government and chief of state. The vice president, since January 2001, is Sandra Pierantozzi. The Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs is Alexander Merep.

Information for media Keeping in touch

Creative New Zealand staff working at the 9th Festival of Pacific Arts will be keeping in regular contact with staff in our Wellington office.

It is hoped that the primary means of communication will be through email. If the technology allows (and we have every indication that it will) we will be sending a regular panui (newsletter) back by email to Aotearoa that will be distributed from our Wellington office to keep our friends, family and other interested parties in touch with what is happening at the festival.

If you would like to receive this panui, please email Arohat@creativenz.govt.nz

The first panui will advise on the best way to make email contact with staff working at the festival. Until then, please contact Aroha with any queries and she will pass them on.

Photos

We have an official delegation photographer to record the festival. These images will be available for use by media when we return from the festival. We will be endeavouring to send back a limited number of digital images throughout the festival. We do not, however, have full confidence that this will be technically possible from Belau.

Broadcast interviews

Tests earlier this year of telephone connection from Belau to New Zealand were not of a high standard. We are therefore not confident that the standard of clarity in calls to New Zealand will be of a high enough standard for broadcast. However, we will be conducting tests further from the media facility when we arrive in Palau

Time difference

The time in Palau is currently three hours behind New Zealand.

Programme outline provided by the Belau Oragnising Committee APPLIED ARTS The APPLIED ARTS program involves demonstration and displays of wood/stone carving, weaving, jewelry, tattooing, fiber and dyes weaving, drawing, design and illustration, cloth & fiber making, plastic arts, pottery, and papermaking, and other applied arts through crafts.

Additionally, there will be a MAT Project, weaving project that weavers from each country will weave their 2’X2’ woven piece into a quilt, which will be displayed at the Belau National Museum. Also, there will be one board and one log that will be carved by carvers of all countries and the finished products will be displayed at the Belau National Museum. Pavilion by the Asahi Ball Field will be used for demonstration and displays of carving, weaving, jewelry, tattooing, design and illustration, metal and rock demo, and demonstration of plastic arts.

All demonstration and displays at the Pavilion by Asahi Ball Field will be scheduled. Country booths will continue to serve as venues for demonstration and displays of all countries’ arts and crafts on a daily basis. Senior Citizens’ Center will be used for demonstration and displays of papermaking, cloth and fiber making, pottery, and fiber and dyes/dyeing. CULINARY ARTS The CULINARY ARTS program entails showcasing of the artistry of cooking native dishes of countries own selection. In the two-day culinary show, first culinary art show representatives from the sixteen states of Palau will showcase the artistry of cooking their native delicacies. In the other three-day culinary art show, second culinary art show representatives from member countries will showcase the artistry of cooking their native dishes.

Each country represented by a cook and a helper will be showcasing the artistry of preparing, cooking and exhibiting for tasting their native dishes or delicacies within a four-hour time. A cook booklet, which will include all exhibition information will be published and available for sale. The venue for demonstration and exhibition of the culinary arts is Palau Civic Center grounds. LITERARY ARTS The LITERARY ARTS program involves display, sale and reading of literatures on the Pacific Islands. Organizers may bring materials to promote authors, editors, and illustrators from the Pacific. Authors and illustrators may be present for book signing or reading.

Children literatures may be displayed. The Literary Arts program also involves the “Hands-on Writing Skills Training” and the “Writing Workshop”. The display/exhibit, sale and reading of literatures will take place in Smuuch Bldg. at the Palau Community College. The “Hands-on Writing Skills Training” will be held in the Computer Lab of the Palau Community College. The “Writing Workshop” will be held in the Btaches Bldg. at the Palau Community College.

NATURAL HISTORY The NATURAL HISTORY program entails human’s co-dependency with our nature. Exhibits and demonstration will run in addition to organized excursions. Excursions will deliver the theme through an introduction to natural, historical and cultural significance of local sites. Exhibits and demonstration of natural environment will be in Sebus Bldg. at the Palau Community College. Excursion tours to visit the natural and historic resources will be in Melekeok State and the Rock Islands.

NAVIGATION AND CANOEING

The traditional NAVIGATION AND CANOEING program entails arrival of canoes ceremony; display and demonstration of navigation, canoe building and canoeing; exhibit, traditional regattas and canoe races – races among sailing and paddling canoes; and oratory exchange/seminar – informal oratory exchange program for traditional navigating experts, canoe builders, and paddlers.

The venue for traditional navigation and canoeing is by the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge at Airai side. PERFORMING ARTS The PERFORMING ARTS include traditional dances, dances and musical concerts, band and traditional instrumental concerts, storytelling, theater/drama, poetry, instrumental recitals, and ecumenical service. Additionally, there is a JAM house for country musicians to get together and informally exchange expertise in instrumental music.

The Performing Arts program also entails compilation and mass production of countries theme songs CDs that will be available for participating countries as souvenirs and/or for sale. The five main (5) venues for Performing Arts are Asahi Ball Field, PALAU COMMUNITY COLLEGETrack and Field, Ngarachamayong Cultural Center, Belau National Museum Amphitheater, and Navigation and Canoeing Village by Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge at Airai side.

SYMPOSIUM

The SYMPOSIUM aspect of the Festival involves discussion of issues related to the history and development of the arts and cultures of the Pacific Islands. Topics linking cultural preservation and nature preservation are encouraged. Proposed topics include: legal protection of traditional knowledge and expressions of culture; roles and responsibilities of traditional and elected leadership; cultural well-being and wealth derived from natural resources; social change and impact; education and future of our nations.

Additionally there are issues such as taboo, commercialization, substitution, and functional evolution in the evolution of the following areas of expression of culture: performing arts, visual arts and applied design, literature, architecture, canoeing and navigation, healing, culinary arts, and recreation and games.

In the discussion the visiting professionals, scholars and experts from the countries of Japan and ROC-Taiwan will also be sharing with us their expertise in the related topics. A book of proceedings is planned to include all transcripts. The main venue for the symposium is the Koror State Government Conference Room. The symposium for Natural History will be held at the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC). The symposium for Pacific Arts on Traditional Healing will be held in the Palau High School Gymnasium (PALAU HIGH SCHOOL Gym). The symposium or the oratory exchange seminar for traditional Navigation and Canoeing will be held at the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge at Airai side.

TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE The TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE program entails exhibits showcasing the knowledge and expertise of traditional architecture of the Pacific. Each of the participating countries will set up a replica of their traditional village or community setting. The replica may include residential dwelling, community halls or meeting place, canoe/boat house, and spiritual house.

The exhibits may also include miniature canoes, canoe house, bamboo raft, Chiefs’ meetinghouse, etc. A booklet including all exhibits information will be available for visitors and participating countries as souvenirs of the Festival. Palau Community College is the main venue for Traditional Architecture. TRADITIONAL HEALING ARTS/PACIFIC ARTS ON TRADITIONAL HEALING The TRADITIONAL HEALING ARTS/PACIFIC ARTS ON TRADITIONAL HEALING entails demonstration, presentation and display of medicinal plants, their preparation methods and application, and of other non-pharmacological healing methods such as massage and the symposium on the traditional healing.

Healers may demonstrate herbal medicine technique or non-herbal healing technique. Additionally, there will be a special exhibit and presentation of Ngasech (Palauan Traditional Birth Ceremony) at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center by Palau delegation (Team Palau). Palau High School Gymnasium is the main venue for Traditional Healing Arts. The special presentation of Ngasech will be held at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center.

A booklet including all exhibits information will be produced participating countries. TRADITIONAL SKILLS AND GAMES The TRADITIONAL SKILLS AND GAMES Program promotes the renewal of declining traditional skills and the continued practice of existing skills that have historically developed into sporting activities. This program will entail the demonstration and exhibit of traditional kite flying, the demonstration and exhibit of country’s choice of traditional games at an outdoor field and the symposium on traditional skills and games.

Additionally, games equipment and accessories may be exhibited and also mini-lecture sessions on history, technique and strategy of the skill or game, and design of props may take place. Meyuns Seaplane Ramp is the main venue for Traditional Skills and Games. VISUAL ARTS The VISUAL ARTS program entails country exhibit – special mixed exhibition to represent the country at one glimpse; contemporary art exhibit – paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture or other contemporary art forms by Pacific Islands people and residents that are displayed in a gallery atmosphere; special travel exhibit; philatelic exhibit and trading and an auction of stamps may be scheduled; film screening – films by Pacific residents or staged in or about the Pacific; fashion exhibit – exhibition of fashions and accessories; and fashion, floral and jewelry show – fashion show models of traditional wear and modern island fashion and wardrobe including accessories and body art. Country exhibit, contemporary art exhibit, traveling exhibit and fashion exhibit will be held at the Belau National Museum.

Part of the contemporary art exhibit will be displayed at the Pacific Savings Bank. The film screening and philatelic/stamp exhibit will be held in Btaches Bldg. at the Palau Community College. The fashion, floral and jewelry show will be held in the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center.
Aotearoa – New Zealand Programme Highlights – Week 1

Note: These are just some of the festival events that members of the Aotearoa delegation are participating in. Throughout the festical artists from Aotearoa will be demonstrating their artforms at both official and informal festival locations.

Day 1 – Thursday 22 July

5.00am: The waka flotilla is welcomed at the Japan Palau Friendship Bridge. 5.30pm : The opening ceremony

Day 2 - Friday 23 July

The Fashion Parade. New Zealand’s participation in this event is being organised Otaki designer Suzanne Tamaki, and other members of the delegation will model her creations. Opening of the contemporary visual arts show. New Zealand’s contribution is entitled: Ka Kino to Pounamu. He Pounamu Onamata (Your greenstone is awesome and it comes from a tradition) and is an exhibition of body adornment incorporating the work of eight contemporary visual artists. It is curated by Ngahiraka Mason and Megan Tamati-Quennell. Opening of the country exhibitions. New Zealand’s contribution is entitled: Te Iti Kahurangi – Small but Treasured and included work from 3 artsist from the artforms of weaving, carving, and clay. New Zealand Film showing Whale Rider

Day 3 - Saturday 24 July

Performance of Vula – the New Zealand theatre piece, directed by Nina Nawalowalo.

Day 4 - Sunday 25 July

Performance of Witi Ihimaera’s Women Far Walking presented by Taki Rua Productions and featuring Kahu Hotere and Riria Hotere. New Zealand Film showing Mäori Merchant of Venice

Day 5 - Monday 26 July

Hekenukumai Busby presentation on traditional navigation. Te Po o Aotearoa - New Zealand night. The Aotearoa New Zealand delegation will be hosting VIPs from all other delegations attending the festival with New Zealand food, wine and entertainment.

Day 6 - Tuesday 27 July

Performance from New Zealand Dance Collective Atamira New Zealand Film showing Makareta Urale’s Savage Symbols

Day 7 - Wednesday 28 July

Aotearoa weavers take part in the making of a peace map

Day 8 – Thursday 29 July

Aotearoa weavers take part in the making of a peace map

Day 9 – Friday 30 July

Aotearoa story-telling and poetry recitals Aotearoa vocal recitals Aotearoa instrumental recitals

Day 10 – Saturday 31 July

Closing ceremony

Artists in the Aotearoa Delegation Visual Arts Ani O’Neill (Cook Islands), Auckland Areta Wilkinson (Ngai Tahu, Ngäti Irakehu), Auckland Filipe Tohi – (Tongan), New Plymouth Megan Tamati-Quennell (Te Atiawa, Ngäti Mutunga, Ngai Tahu), Christchurch Moana Nepia (Ngäti Porou), Auckland Ngahiraka Mason (Ngai Tuhoe), Auckland Reuben Patterson (Ngäti Rangitihi, Tuhoe), Auckland Sofia Tekela-Smith (Rotuman), Auckland Sculpture Brett Graham (Waikato), Auckland Carving Blaine Te Rito (Ngäti Kahungunu, Ngä Puhi, Ngäti Kahu), Auckland Kereti Rautangata (Tainui, Te Arawa), Te Awamutu Riki Manuel (Ngäti Porou), Christchurch Takirirangi Smith (Aitanga A Hauiti, Ngäti Kahungunu, Ngäti Apa, Ngai Tahu), Masterton Dance Atamira Dance Collective – Dolina Wehipeihana (Ngäti Raukawa), Auckland Atamira Dance Collective – Justine Hohaia (Ngä Puhi Nui Tonu), Auckland Atamira Dance Collective – Louise Potiki Byrant (Kai Tahu), Auckland Atamira Dance Collective – Moss Patterson (Ngäti Tuwharetoa), Auckland Clay Amorangi Hikuroa (Ngä Puhi, Tainui), Whangarei Wi Taepa (Te Arawa), Wanganui Taonga Puoro James Webster (Ngäti Mahuta), Waiheke Island
Heritage – Rongoa Mâori Riki Bennett (Ngäti Pikiao), Auckland Weaving Christina Wirihana (Ngäti Maniapoto-Raukawa, Ngäti Pikiao), Rotorua Erenora Puketapu Hetet (Te Atiawa), Lower Hutt Kohai Grace (Ngäti Toarangatira, Te Atiawa, Ngäti Raukawa, Ngäti Porou), Plimmerton Mary Ama (Cook Islands), Auckland Te Aue Davis (Ngäti Maniapoto), Auckland Waikarere Gregory (Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri, Ngäti Kahu, Ngä Puhi), Waiheke Island Theatre Taki Rua – Amanda Hereaka (Ngäti Tuwharetoa, Te Arawa), Wellington Taki Rua – Kahu Hotere (Ngäti Maniapoto, Te Aupouri, Ngäti Wai), Porirua Taki Rua – Riria Hotere (Te Aupouri, Ngäti Maniapoto), Auckland Vula – Fiona Collins (Samoan), Wellington Vula – Kasaya Manulevu (Fijian), Wellington Vula – Nina Nawalowalo (Fijian), Wellington Vula – Salesi Le’ota (Tongan), Wellington Vula – Susana Lei’ataua (Samoan), Wellington Vula – Tausili Mose (Samoan), Wellington Multi-media Jeanette Rata (Ngäti Maniäpoto), New Plymouth Joanne Tito, New Plymouth Julie Kipa (Ngaiterangi) Whakatane), New Plymouth - also demonstrating Moko Rangi Kipa (Taranaki, Te Atiawa, Maniapoto, Ngäti Tama Ki Te Tauihu), New Plymouth Fashion Suzanne Tamaki (Tuhoe, Te Arawa, Maniapoto), Wellington Storytelling Joe Harawira (Ngäti Maniapoto, Ngai Te Rangi, Ngäti Awa), Huntly

Music Adrian Tangaroa Wagner (Te Ätiawa, Te Whanau A Apanui, Ngäti Hauiti, Wanganui), Wellington Pacific Underground– Andrew Sione (Samoan), Christchurch Pacific Underground – Posenai Mavaega (Samoan), Christchurch Pacific Underground – Tanya Mavaega (Samoan), Christchurch Toni Huata (Ngäti Kahungunu, Rongowhakaata), Wellington Waka Hector Busby (Ngä Puhi), Northland Film Makerita Urale (Samoan), Auckland Moko Derek Lardelli (Ngäti Porou), Gisborne Patrick Takoko (Ngäti Porou), Whangara Richard Francis (Ngäti Pikiao, Ngäti Rangiwewehi), Rotorua Poetry/Music Daren Kamali (Fijian), Auckland Kapa Haka Waihirere Mâori Club – Led by Tangiwai Ria

ENDS

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