(Picture caption: The Arts Pasifika Award recipients for 2023.)
Recipients of Creative New Zealand’s prestigious Arts Pasifika Awards have been announced for 2023, with most categories being claimed by wahine.
A wide range of Pacific creatives are being recognised across the categories for their contribution to Pacific arts – from Niuean handcrafts to Augmented Reality design.
This vibrant annual event celebrates Pacific creative excellence in both Aotearoa New Zealand and globally.
Trail-blazing visual artists Lonnie Hutchinson and Ani O’Neill have been named as winners of Senior Pacific Artist Award, receiving $25,000 each.
This is the second time two artists have won in this category, with Oscar Kightley and David Fane winning in 2016.
Lonnie (Ngāti kuri ki Ngāi Tahu, Samoan, Celtic), who is from Christchurch and creates large scale sculpture, says she is thrilled.
“I’m grateful to be joining the prestigious list of past winners in this category, alongside Ani,” Lonnie says.
“My work challenges dominant patriarchal narratives, highlighting Māori and Pacific Island experiences – so to be acknowledged in this context, amongst all Pasifika artists, is a joy.”
Caren Rangi, Chair of the Arts Council, says the Arts Pasifika Awards play a significant role in celebrating Pacific creativity in Aotearoa.
“I’m particularly proud of the fact that many of our winning artists this year are also passionate advocates for the Pacific community,” Caren says.
“Their influence transcends beyond the creative sector – they're not only making outstanding work but also using their platforms to give back.
Many of them are educators, Lavinia is also a youth worker and Falepipi He Malofa’s creative work began as an opportunity for members of the senior Niuean community to come together.
“When our Pacific creatives thrive, our whole village benefits.”
The Toa Award, which recognises the contribution of a Pacific artist with the lived experience of disability, is now in its fifth year, and is one of the many significant opportunities and initiatives developed under the Pacific Arts Strategy.
The 2023 winner of this award, Lavinia Lovo, has a passion for Pacific dance and also advocates for Pacific youth with visible and invisible disabilities.
“The arts have always allowed me to express myself beyond the limits of my disability and this recognition motivates me to continue to support Pasifika youth to push boundaries,” Lavinia says.
“The Toa Award means a lot to me I’m looking forward to celebrating Pacific excellence on the night of the Awards ceremony.”
A presentation ceremony will be held in Wellington on October 18, and will be livestreamed on Creative New Zealand’s social media channels.
The selection process for these awards begins with public nominations, followed by robust assessment including external Pacific arts experts and a panel which makes recommendations to the Chief Executive of Creative New Zealand.
After reviewing the recommendations, the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa makes the final decisions.
Arts Pasifika Award recipients for 2023