Good chance to seek arts funding
By Charles Pitt

A window of opportunity has opened for members of the country’s art fraternity to apply for some Government funding for projects in the visual arts area.
Local artists are not going to get a better chance than now to approach Government considering the bright environment now unfolding in tourism and education.
In the tourism sector, the emphasis under the new branding on things cultural, will require a “Cook Islands” presence in and outside hotels and also public buildings and amenities. Expect to see more carvings, crafts and artworks in hotels, public places and in shops and market places.
In education, a new arts curriculum is taking hold in local high schools and the new proposed University of the South Pacific (USP) Pacific Studies Centre will have a visual arts component.
YOUNG
These developments in tourism and education will need ongoing Government support and encouragement as established artists undertake commissions.
Young artists emerging from high school will sustain artistic production in the future but will need to see a clear career path ahead of them to higher honours. This is where government can act as a bridge between high school and higher learning by funding or co-funding workshops for young artists.
Increased visitor numbers presents an opportunity for Government to turn the National Museum into the cultural flagship it ought to be.
Right now we have no sizeable or significant national collection to speak of. Government must provide funding to purchase quality art works to build the Museum’s permanent collection not only for the tourist but also ourselves.
The Times spoke with acting Secretary for Cultural Development Makiuti Tongia on Friday. He indicated his support for any submission from the arts community concerning allocation of funds for the visual arts.
Whether the funds were granted was another issue.
He saw merit in a model proposed by senior female artist Mahiriki Tangaroa on Tuesday. Tangaroa’s model involves:
- reviving the defunct visual arts unit at the Ministry,
- providing an allocation of funds for the purchase of art works to build the Museum’s collection
- and providing funding for holding workshops throughout the year to boost the skills of our local artists.
Tangaroa is to draft and submit a proposal on her return from New Zealand in a week’s time.
In its Budget allocation for the current year, the Ministry received $823,885 in total. Of this, $212,800 was allocated for output 4 -“Performing and Fine Arts”, which includes the visual arts. Creative New Zealand also provides some funds for the yearly Artist in Residence Scheme, thought to be about $15,000.
SUPPORT
Master Carver Mike Tavioni is supportive of a submission being made. He indicates he plans to make a submission in respect of printed material about the arts and crafts. Tavioni is working on a book of Cook Islands Motifs.
Another senior artist, Ian George, is also supportive of an approach to the Ministry for funding for the visual arts and says he is prepared to draft such a submission.
The Minister for Culture, Wilkie Rasmussen, who is an artist of some repute himself, was not available for comment.

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