Call for Hawaiian artisans and cultural practitioners for new visiting artists program at Waimea Valley

Haleʻiwa, Hawaiʻi (May 25, 2017) – Waimea Valley, a sacred site for Native Hawaiians on the North Shore of Oʻahu, is now taking applications for their Nā Poʻe Hana Noeʻau program, a visiting artists program designed to preserve and showcase traditional Hawaiian cultural forms and invite artisans to create work based on the rich history and culture of Waimea. The program is supported by the Kukulu Ola grant awarded by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The $40,000 grant from HTA will allow this program to provide entrepreneurial opportunities to North Shore-based artisans while enhancing the Valley’s visitor experience by creating engagement with experienced artisans and bearers of indigenous knowledge.

The yearlong program also requires public art demonstrations for visitors to the Valley. At the end of the year an exhibition and festival for artists is planned to showcase and sell their creations. “By hosting visiting artists throughout the Valley, our visitors will be given a rare glimpse into Hawaiʻi’s rich cultural past, offering an interactive look into the roles and practices that once existed in this Valley,” says Richard Pezzulo, executive director of Waimea Valley.

Nā Poʻe Hana Noʻeau is a new addition to the Valley’s Hiʻipaka Cultural Program and complements their current roster of 8 resident artisans and cultural practitioners who share their craft expertise with visitors. Since 2012, the Valley has refocused efforts to promote its culture and history through such programs. Interested artisans please email wv@waimeavalley.net for more information or questions.

Applications may be completed and downloaded at www.waimeavalley.net.