Champion for Pasifika arts recognised
A career spanning more than three decades, multiple mediums and several countries has been recognised at this year’s Arts Pasifika Awards.
Wellingtonian Nina Nawalowalo was awarded the Senior Pacific Artist Award, worth $20,000, at the Creative New Zealand-run event on October 25.
The annual awards honour those in the Pacific arts realm who go above and beyond in their chosen medium, to support and foster innovation in Pacific art.
Nawalowalo, a director and founder of theatre company The Conch says while the award recognises her career to date, it’s also an acknowledgement of all those who have pushed her to grow over the years.
‘‘It’s a privilege to receive the award ... It’s taken many many people for me to arrive at this moment and it’s very much about honouring all of those people that have backed me.’’
The Arts Council of New Zealand which oversees the awards credited Nawalowalo’s win to her powerful work exploring Pacific themes, her commitment to bringing untold stories into the light and her use of theatre as a vehicle to affect social change.
‘‘These awards recognise some of this country’s most outstanding Pacific artists, who bring so much to the cultural landscape of this diverse nation,’’ deputy chair Caren Rangi says.
‘‘Pacific arts are a cultural touchstone to the historical, cultural and familial ties this country has with other Pacific nations. These awards help to recognise the contribution that art plays in maintaining these connections.
In addition to her directing work, Nawalowalo is also involved with a youth-based project in Porirua where the company is ‘‘drawing young talent from’’.
‘‘It’s a big thing for me because I’m always looking for ways to grow things in Wellington. My heart is here.’’
Unlike other awards accolades she had received in the past for specific shows, the Arts Pasifika
THE WINNERS
Nina Nawalowalo – Senior Pacific Artist Award ($20,000) Kalisolaite Uhila – Contemporary Pacific Artist Award ($7500) Noma Sio-Faiumu – Special Recognition Award ($7500) Lakiloko Keakea – Pacific Heritage Arts Award ($7500) Filipe Manu – Iosefa Enari Memorial Award ($5000) Tupua Tigafua – Emerging Artist Award ($5000) Award felt like an acknowledgement of her entire career so far.
‘‘It has definitely made me reflect back on it all. It’s such a wonderful and incredibly special moment in my life.’’
Her most recent work, The White Guitar, told the story of the Luafutu family made up of father John and sons Matthias and Malo – known more commonly as renowned hip-hop artist, Scribe.
The show, told by the Luafutu family, was lauded by critics and ended up selling out.
The rest of the year looks to be busy for Nawalowalo with a brand new piece set to open at the start of next year, however, details of that are still under wraps
‘‘I can say it will go in a very different direction to The White Guitar, it will be more comedic with an element of magic.’’