KPAF: Huliau - Hawaiian Culture for Social Change

Huliau will stimulate, educate, and inspire Hawaiian locals and visitors, upholding Hawaiian cultural values and traditions through collaborative performing arts. The Hawaiian cultural resurgence is at the heart of empowering Hawaiian people - especially here in Puna, the poorest district in Hawaii.

The Specifics: What will the $5,000 fund?

This grant will enable top Hawaiian and guest facilitators to work with Hawaiian locals and visitors during a collaborative week of workshops and performances. Infusing cultural values and traditions into both Hawaiian and Western performing arts disciplines, participants will work together to create performances which will be shared with the local community, using the theme Huliau 2012: The Turning Point.

Heralded in past years by local artists and media as one of the most innovative and inspiring collaborations in the state, budget cuts have left KPAF short on funds to sponsor local participants in need, and provide teacher honorariums for the project. If awarded this grant, funding will continue this innovative work in Puna this July.

Discussion

This event is nothing short of extraordinary! The Hawaiian artists are exquisitely skilled in their respective crafts. They beautifully weave and integrate the precious stories and lessons of a rich culture worthy of learning from and remembering. It deeply touches and enhances the education and skill of the students as well as the entertainment and education of the audiences. In terms of energy, spirit, and the offering of Hawaiian culture, this funding would ensure a most phenomenal event! Mahalo/Thank you.

by tiki2

11 months ago | Reply

yes for KPAF!!!! maika'i

by samadhihawaii

11 months ago | Reply

It is an amazing project that promotes the arts, creativity and personal growth for participants and the audience !!!!!!! May it continue to grow !!!!!

by eric.flail

11 months ago | Reply

This project is so very special and unique anywhere, but even more so to see it happening here in Puna. We have invited Kunst-stoff, a premiere dance company from SF, and Joule L'adara from NYC, and Samadhi from HI among the many other talented faculty for this year's KPAF 3. Please vote and support this special project :) peace and aloha, wailana

by wailana.simcock

11 months ago | Reply

This is one of those truly magical and special events. KPAF has an amazing Spirit to it, an event where creativity and Hawaiian culture come together to create a spectacular and touching performance that is really magical. The teaching and learning that goes on during the week long event is profound and deep. I've volunteered for several years with lighting... it's always a joy to watch this program unfold. The mutual respect, collaboration and creativity run openly and freely. The program honors the deeper aspects of the Hawaiian culture and brings it alive for me in a way that goes even beyond what good Hula does. I wish there were more programs like this, more people would see the real depth in native cultures. This event should be model for other organizations to follow. It's really THAT good! I would STRONGLY encourage funding of this program!

by jaden.fox.75

11 months ago | Reply

I attended KPAF last year - it was absolutely fantastic! The teachers are incredible, and the performances inspired me to get more in touch with my creative side. Rooting for this project - it is really worthy of the grant!