TAUTAI Gallery Opening Night!

4 Jul

On Friday July 3 we opened Tautai Gallery and made history together!

Fḁiåkseˈea
Fa’afetai tele lava
Ko rab'a
Meitaki ma'ata
Malo ‘aupito
Fakafetai
Vinaka vaka levu
Fakaue lahi
Fakafetai lahi lele
Ngā mihi nui ki a koe

This new beginning would not have been possible without the alofa and support of our beloved community of Moana creatives and the many supporters who have been part of Tautai’s journey.

We extend our heartfelt thanks and acknowledgement to Prime Minister and Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, The Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern for officially opening our new expanded premises, and The Right Hon. Carmel Sepuloni MP, Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, for your attendance and support. It was an honour to have you both here in our fale.

It was historical to have our founding patron Fatu Feu’u speak on the night and to see the long-held ambition of Tautai’s founders come full circle with ‘Moana Legacy’, curated by the incredible Cora-Allan Wickliffe and featuring nine niu artists whose works we are proud to be showing through to September 18.

Fa’afetai tele lava to Creative New Zealand, Foundation North and Fetu Ta’i for powering our purpose. We acknowledge our incredible guest speakers, emcee, and gifted performers and activators who made Friday night so memorable. We thank Tautai’s wider aiga – our incredibly talented content creators from No Six, and our steadfast contractors, suppliers and volunteers.

To our Families: ofa lahi ‘atu, alofa atu, we have so much love for you and nothing can match your support!

‘O le ala i le pule o le tautua’ - the pathway to leadership is through service. We trust that this new space will serve our community of Moana Oceania artists, thinkers, writers, performers, activators, change makers and creative leaders of the future.

Curated by Cora-Allan Wickliffe, Moana Legacy marks a moment in the history of Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust opening its first gallery space.

Featuring artists: Ahsin Ahsin, Cora-Allan Wickliffe & Kelly Lafaiki, Gina Ropiha , Israel Randell, Mereani Qalovakawasa, Naawie Tutugoro, Rangituhia Hollis and Talia Smith.