This month welcomes two contemporary indigenous performing arts festivals which have established themselves as cornerstones of the presentation of new work from Aotearoa and across the Pacific. Deeply embedded in the scene they are leaders in premiering exciting new works, developing our Pacific talent and bringing artists from across Te-Moana-a-kiwa together.
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has for 15 years hosted the Pacific Dance Festival. It's the work of the Pacific Islands Dance Fono Trust, who champion the growth and visibility of Pacific dance in Aotearoa. The festival opened last night at Māngere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku,.and runs through till June 19.
In Pōneke, Wellington Kia Mau Festival is now 10 years old and this year has a diverse programme of 28 performing arts works. It opened last weekend and runs through until June 14.
Susana Leia'taua with Culture101 welcomes the founders and artistic directors of both festivals for talanoa: from Kia Mau, Hone Kouka and Mīria George, and from Pacific Dance New Zealand Iosefa Enari.
