Hone Kouka Photo: supplied
Libby Hakaraia Photo: supplied
The independent Māori theatre and dance sectors are overflowing with people wanting to create work. But what's often holding them back is a lack of experienced producers, and somewhere to go for practical advice.
That's changing with a new organisation Ngā Hua Toi made up of nine prominent Māori arts organisations - it's nicknamed the G8.
Ngā Hua Toi has received a $628 thousand boost to its plan for a stand-alone Māori led arts body - money targeted by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage for capability-building in the cultural sector.
It's by far the biggest single allocation in the first round of the Covid-19 grants.
Meanwhile, $261 thousand goes to the Kāpiti-based Māoriland Charitable Trust, headed by Libby Hakaraia. Māoriland is best known for its annual Film Festival.
Lynn Freeman speaks with Libby and with her and with the driving force in Ngā Hua Toi, Hone Kouka. Hone was involved with the recent Kia Mau Festival.
