Art as a tool for activism and decolonisation with Van Mei

Radical joy with Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole

The final episode of Creative Capital features the phenomenal artists Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole - creators of Wharenui Harikoa. Wharenui Harikoa, translating to 'House of Joy', is a large-scale crocheted wharenui (Māori meeting house) that embodies a vision of manifesting intergenerational healing and deeply felt joy.  Lissy's Story: A Tapestry of Art and Resilience Born into a world where creativity flowed as freely as the waters of the moana. I was destined to embrace the arts. Raised in a large, creative  and vibrant whānau where I am the pōtiki/youngest of eight wāhine.My father Colin Cole, a renowned NZ couturier and my mother Mairehau Tui Cole, a high intellectual, my life has been to navigate these two extremes and forge my own path. Crochet found me at a time when I was exploring and experimenting, trying to find my way. Crochet became my visual language, a way to honour my Tūpuna's memory, and a medium to express my deepest emotions. After a fulfilling journey in communications and fashion, including my 'I Love Lissy Collection', I discovered my true calling in crochet. Rudi's Path: From Forests to Yarn I hail from the forestry town of Kaingaroa. Born with a chainsaw in hand, my early years were spent in the embrace of nature and the creative sanctuary of my backyard shed. My transition from the forests to the art of crochet has been a journey of discovery and learning. Meeting Lissy was the turning point where I swapped my chainsaw for a crochet hook, combining my love for making with the intricate art of crochet. Learn more about Wharenui Harikoa - lissyandrudi.com/wharenuiharikoa [https://www.lissyandrudi.com/wharenuiharikoa]

Community Representation with Jonjon Tolovae Cowley Lupo

This episode features Jonjon Tolovae Cowley Lupo, who is an original member of No.3 Roskill Theatre and part of its core group of creatives. Jonjon is the resident costume designer of No.3, costume designing their last 3 shows. She is also one of the performers and contributes to the writing and devising of work created by the cohort.  She has recently finished working alongside Lindah Lepou costume assisting Lindah in “Aiga” by Lusi Faiva, presented by Touch compass during the 2024 Auckland arts festival. In performance, Jonjon has been a staple performer within the LGBTQIA+/MVPFAFF+ arts scene, where she has contributed to shows as a writer, performer and dancer. She recently launched a pride program with No.3 during Auckland pride 2024 Lalaga Nuanua - Weaving Rainbows, with a focus on bringing together other brown queer artists to collaborate and network during events that included a Script reading of her script, Tapa making and an ongoing monthly Katas and Kava session. Alongside all of this she has been a member of the Aotearoa Ballroom scene since 2022 where she is a Commentator/Chanter and MC.

Artist-led spaces and mentorship with Lance Fepuleai

This episode features Lance Fepuleai, also known as Lucky Lance. Lance is a Samoan Artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Part of the award-winning hip-hop trio Team Dynamite, he's also the founder and creative director behind Sky Pirates, a street wear entity sporting an art gallery that supports local artistic endeavours.

Community Mobilisation with Amiria Puia-Taylor

This episode, Elyssia speaks with Amiria Puia-Taylor. She is a proud daughter of the Moana who has been fortunate to shape her career being creative - a people weaver, place maker and cultural arts manager. Amiria has been working across the creative industries for 18 years.

Art as a tool for activism and decolonisation with Van Mei

This month we’re taking with Van Mei who is an artist and writer currently based in Te Ika-a-Māui. They are the current Kaitohu (Director) of The Pantograph Punch, an online arts and culture platform that’s been nourishing writers and audiences for 13 years.    Prior to this they were the Director of Enjoy Contemporary Art Space for a stint and have worked, published and exhibited across performing arts, visual arts and publishing for a number of years. They believe in a future where we can see arts in Aotearoa thrive for the benefit of many, not just survive as we are currently.   The tiktok clips that Van refers to in the conversation can be seen below: “Queer people are a threat to every structure of power” – this video [https://www.tiktok.com/@blackqueerliberation/video/7272768215959293230] by @blackqueerliberation [https://www.tiktok.com/@blackqueerliberation] “Collectivist vs Individualist safety” – this video [https://www.tiktok.com/@ayandastood/video/7299505028719529222?_r=1&_t=8hYa5rsNPYQ] by @ayandastood [https://www.tiktok.com/@ayandastood] “The imagination of white genocidal maniacs” – reference to this tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@th.readings/video/7299278492540194090] by Ismatu Gwendolyn / @th.readings [https://www.tiktok.com/@th.readings]