“There is a definite uniqueness about who we are and where we come from that feeds our artistic process.”
That physical isolation is an opportunity and breeding ground for uniqueness, Tama says.
“Historically there's this incredible richness of storytelling, composers and visual artists that is celebrated the world over. We want to give a local platform so that it can be properly acknowledged and showcased. That's what the festival is about.”
The rudder and fuel that differentiates the Te Tairawhiti Arts Festival is its kaupapa, Tama says.
“We are arts led, meaning the energy we gather is taken from the creative abundance that lives here.
“Gisborne has a unique make-up and demography. What we do is offer an opportunity for anyone to come in to experience what the place is and who the people are, but in a way that is not so literal or direct. It is an indirect and somewhat intangible way of seeing.
“We are of the place and its people and a platform for connection.
“That's the kaupapa.”
The arts festival aims to distil Tairawhiti into a reflection of the area to show out-of-towners the essence of this place and give locals a chance to reflect on their community.
Now three years in the running, the festival is on the national circuit.
Festival directors from around Aotearoa attend and some 20 percent of tickets sold are to punters outside of Tairawhiti.
But the festival is as much for the artists as it is for the ticket holders.
Firstly, it is another event in the calendar for performers and artists to display their work and keep themselves employed.
Secondly, the annual festival helps breed connections, dialogue, community and build knowledge among local artists.
“We invite people here from festivals from around the country because that is about enriching the creative ecology, but also making economic viable touring pathways for artists,” Tama says.
“The main thing we exist for is to be part of that creative ecology.”
Part of Te Tairawhiti Arts Festival's role is using its connections to provide access and knowledge for local creatives.
“One of the things we have been doing lately is artist reliance workshops. Trying to build digital capabilities and trying to grow connections in arts funding areas and things like that.”
The networks have grown.
“In our first year it was all new. The connections within the community have become more meaningful and more real.”
It is one thing to say you want to do something, but with the event now established there is more buy-in from the region, Tama says.
“It feels like those connections are much stronger. We can see it in the programme but it's also in the conversations we have with people.”
No matter the festival's success, locals are a helpful reality check, Tama says.
“They are the true litmus test of what works and what doesn't. It is an authentic way of getting feedback when you have that critique from people.”
Part of the festival's success is driven by the depth of talent from the board members and staff on the ground.
“We have an amazing team. I kind of think they have superpowers because they all have different skills that they bring and that is part of what is special about this place.”
Tama says the organisation itself is alive.
“It's this weird organism that expands and contracts.”
Some four or five staff work on the festival in the planning stages, which grows to 12 or 15 as the event approaches.
Once the opening day is done and dusted, staff numbers can swell to 60 on the payroll.
The future looks bright for Tama, who says the festival will be able to foster the creatives already plentiful on the Coast with time.
“The longer we're here and the more that we connect, the better we are able to support and improve access and opportunity for local artists.”
Te Tairawhiti Arts Festival 2021, October 8-17. Tickets from i-SITE or iTicket.co.nz
