26 May 2008
Pacific Arts Committee seeks nominations for Arts Pasifika Awards 2008
The Pacific Arts Committee of Creative New Zealand is seeking nominations for the Arts Pasifika Awards 2008, which
celebrate Pacific artists across a range of artforms and career stages. The closing date for nominations is 5pm, Friday
27 June 2008.
The recipients of the Arts Pasifika Awards 2008 will be announced at a special ceremony in Auckland in November. Pele
Walker, Chair of the Pacific Arts Committee, encourages all New Zealanders to nominate Pacific artists whom they feel
deserve recognition.
The Arts Pasifika Awards 2008 offer six awards. These are:
Senior Pacific Artists' Award ($7000) recognises the contribution of a senior Pacific artist in maintaining or
developing his or her artform in New Zealand. Last year's recipient was Auckland based producer, director and writer
Justine Simei–Barton (Samoa).
Pacific Heritage Arts Award ($5000) recognises an individual artist or cultural group who has made a major contribution
to maintaining, reviving or promoting a Pacific heritage artform in New Zealand. Last year's recipient was
Auckland-based academic, writer, poet and performer Dr Okusitino Mahina (Tonga).
Pacific Innovation and Excellence Award ($5000) recognises an established Pacific artist or group who has demonstrated
innovation and excellence in their artform. Last year's recipient was Wellington based theatre director Nina Nawalowalo
(Fiji).
Salamander Gallery Award for Emerging Pacific Visual Artists ($3000) recognises an emerging Pacific artist showing
promise in the field of visual arts. Last year's recipient was Auckland based visual artist, Sale Pepe (Samoa).
Iosefa Enari Memorial Award ($3000) recognises the contribution of the late Iosefa Enari to the arts and in particular
his pioneering role in Pacific opera. This study/travel award supports the development of Pacific opera singers. Last
year's recipient was London-based opera singer Sani Muliaumaseali'i (Samoa).
Emerging Pacific Artists' Award ($3000) recognises an emerging Pacific artist or group showing promise in their chosen
artform. Last year's recipient was Wellington based performing arts troop WakaUra Dance Group. For nomination forms
please contact Tarisi Vunidilo, Programme Advisor on 09 354 4863 or tarisi.vunidilo@creativenz.govt.nz). You can also
download the nomination forms from the resources section of Creative New Zealand's website (www.creativenz.govt.nz).
ENDS