In early 2022, the Ōtepoti Pasifika Arts Collective was formed. This is an arts collective consisting of twenty Pasifika creatives living in Ōtepoti, Te Wai Pounamu.
We are writers, musicians, carvers, visual artists, DJs, poets, instrument makers, dancers, actors, singers, designers, storytellers, directors, composers, photographers, printmakers, videographers, documentarians and choreographers.
We are from Tokelau, Cooks Islands, Niue, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji. We are from Te Moananui a Kiwa. Our artists are leaders, mentors and experts connected to numerous visual and performance arts groups in Ōtepoti and in our wider Otago and Aotearoa communities.
Our initial series of meetings gave us an opportunity to collate our thoughts, ideas and experiences as creatives residing in Ōtepoti. This culminated in a wider Pasifika fono which we hosted on 2 February 2022 at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery.
Our gatherings reveal the dynamic, uplifting force of this collective due to central common goals: We aim to make Pasifika arts visible, to actively work together to elevate our Pasifika artists and arts groups and to nurture creative success.
Initial project funding will establish a formal entity, develop a strategic plan and build resources within our arts communities. Funding support will directly impact Pasifika youth, our families and our communities on a multi-generational and cultural basis.
The Māori and Pasifika Education Trust is proud to help ŌPAC with administrative support during this important foundation stage.