Artists, artisans and arts leaders met with business and community partners last week at the Palace Theatre to share strategies for building a thriving arts economy on Hawai’i island. The Summit highlighted the role of artists and the arts as a leading force for change in our communities. Artists from across the spectrum met and challenged each other to collaborate, create and build for the future. Artists &arts leaders, Nelson and Kainoa Makua reflected on their art and their efforts to build a community for Hawaiian artists and artisans. Having grown the Merrie Monarch arts fair to legendary status, they are introducing an August arts event in addition to their holiday art events and both artists shared the importance of recognizing local partners, local artists and the people of Hawai’i who contribute to these events each year. University of Hawai’i Professor Emerita &performing arts icon, Jackie Pualani Johnson, reviewed the rich history of performing arts in Hawai’i island, identifying the many cultural and theatrical performances which have contributed to the foundation that exists today, with performances and artists in every community in Hawai’i. Johnson recognized the critical need for infrastructure for artists and arts organizations to be able to deliver art here on the Big Island.
Guitarist Larry Conklin created rich melodies for Summmit attendees as they entered the Palace. Halau Hula Kauluola opened the day-long Summit under the direction of Kumu Hula No’eau &Palanimakamae Kahakalau-Kalima, sharing the hula ‘aiha’a, a foundational dance dedicated to Pele. Vibrant dance, song, musical performances &living history punctuated the powerful panel presentations on critical social issues and strategies for building a thriving arts economy. In a warm virtual welcome Mayor Mitch Roth acknowledged the critical role of art and culture as the foundation for a healthy, resilient and sustainable society. Chief Engagement Officer Brandi Alexander introduced Compassion and Choices to the Summit audience, reflecting on the role of art as the foundation for communication, transformation and meaning while underscoring the potential for expanding the pool of available resources for local artists to national and international partners. Artisan and wood worker Tai Lake led the charge, outlining the local “Collab” event involving artists from Hawai’i and around the world which inspires each participant to grow their art and their network of arts partners. Koana owner &artist, Brian Lo led a team of business partners and artists working to bring more experimental art to the island. In the panel presentation on the juxtaposition of science and art, artist Elizabeth Miller &Volcano Art Center board member Julie Williams, reviewed the history of science and art as intertwined, with each offering a lens from which to examine the world. Jennie Kaneshiro stopped the Summit with Louis Armstrongs, “What a Wonderful World” and introduced Kupuna Jams, a multigenerational music program bringing song and dance to senior communities.
Powerful dance performance rippled at the Summit with Nadia Schlosser, Director and owner of Paradise Performing Arts Center, delivering, “Turning Pages” – Dancing between the Lines” with leading Center Stage Jazz dancers. Zayne Parea, Zoi Nakamura, Jason Aiwohi-Tomlin &Callista Cava Zoi added dance power through their moving delivery of “Find a Way Out” and “Cherry Wine.” In the networking session that preceded the afternoon dance performances, dancers reviewed the need for the return of the Big Island Dance Council to focus community support for dance.
Key organizers, Dr. Trina Nahm-Mijo, OneGallery’s Deborah Beaver &Aspen Dewey, Volcano Garden Arts’ Ira Ono &Koana team under the leadership of Brian Lo envisioned a summit with networking sessions and opportunities for partners from around the island to participate. Donkey Mill’s leadership team, Kahilu Theatre, Kilauea Drama and Entertainment Network and the Hawaii Island Art Alliance led discussion and networking sesions. After meeting in small groups, each of the attendees left the Summit having committed to growing the arts and Hawai’i’s arts economy through collaboration, passion and hope for a future filled with arts!