Our International Projects in 2019

"Dry Waters" emerges as a collaborative endeavor facilitated by our sponsors and partners, culminating in a profound exploration of climate change dynamics, particularly focused on the Pacific Ocean and its associated islands and nations. Anchored in New Zealand, this project represents a fusion of science, artistry, and cultural activism, uniting diverse voices in a collective effort to address pressing environmental concerns.

Over the course of a week-long intensive engagement, a multidisciplinary team comprising scientists, artists, and cultural activists convened to embark on a journey of dialogue, creation, and reflection. Through workshops, discussions, and collaborative sessions, participants delved into the intricate web of climate developments affecting the Pacific region, exchanging insights, knowledge, and perspectives.

The creative process unfolded organically, as artists infused their expressions with the essence of scientific findings and cultural narratives. Paintbrushes met canvas, pens scribbled poetry, and performers choreographed movements that echoed the rhythms of the changing climate. This fusion of art and science yielded a powerful medium for storytelling, evoking emotions, raising awareness, and inspiring action.

At the heart of "Dry Waters" lies a striking mural, a visual testament to the project's aspirations and achievements. Painted within the immersive environment of the Performance Arcade, the mural serves as a vibrant tableau, capturing the complexities of climate change and the resilience of Pacific communities. Its vivid imagery invites viewers to contemplate the interplay between environmental degradation, cultural heritage, and human agency.

Complementing the mural, performances served as poignant expressions of the project's themes and messages. From the intimate setting of the Goethe Institute to the bustling atmosphere of the Performance Arcade, artists took the stage to convey narratives of adaptation, loss, and hope. Through music, dance, and theatricality, they illuminated the interconnectedness of all life forms and the urgency of collective action in the face of climate crisis.

"Dry Waters" stands not only as a testament to the creative potential of collaboration but also as a rallying cry for climate resilience and solidarity. It underscores the imperative of bridging disciplines and perspectives in confronting global challenges, reminding us of our shared responsibility to safeguard the planet for generations to come. In the dry waters of uncertainty, this project serves as an oasis of creativity, community, and collective resolve.

From Utopia to Dystopia by Gorse Robertson-Taylor, Moses Viliamu and CitéNoir

February 2019, Wellington / New Zealand.

Artist Line-up

Maraea Rakuraku is a proudly indigenous storyteller who is very much shaped by her Tūhoe and Ngāti Kahungunu whakapapa and whānau i te wharua o Te Waimana Kaaku. She has been described as powerful, epic and as a force of nature. All of which is reflected in her writing. She brings truth, intellect and heart, whether reviewing (Theatreview, Pantograph Punch), radio broadcasting (Radio New Zealand, Radio Waatea, Te Upoko o Te Ika), podcasting, playwriting or performing poetry.

Daniel "El Congo" Allen (Cuba) began to study trumpet in the Music School in Holguin at the age of 9. In Havana he attended the Music University (ISA), where he got the chance to meet Herbie Hancock, Nicholas Payton, Danilo Perez and Kenny Baron. He later went to Europe where he shared the stage with many artists such as Earth Wind and Fire, Lauren Hill, Zap Mama, Dave Brubeck, Los Van Van, Raul Paz, UB 40, Sargento Garcia, Jimi Tenor, Max Herre, Morgan Heritage, Sly & Robbie, Jean Paul, Marilyn Mason, Buju Banton, Eric Clapton and many others. He currently lives and works in Berlin as a musician, composer and curator.

Milan Gessner is a Berlin based artist whose works include illustration, animation and documentary filmmaking, as well as street art. He often collaborates with other artists to realise their words and ideas in drawings. Several graphic novels based on spoken words poems as well as video art for theatre originated from these collaborations. A hand-drawn animated film (porcelain) is based on a song by Joe Madog, which screened in many film festivals worldwide and was also included in Vimeo's Staff Pick programme online. Milan works under the pseudonym Cité Noir.

The first time Sebastian Fuchs used his instrument of choice was when he was born. Sebastian is a vocal and beat-box artist. At the tender age of 13 he discovered performance poetry and combines this with sound effects, thereby developing so called “Sound stories”. He first performed at poetry slams before studying “Speech Training” followed by lecturing stints at universities. His ensembles “fuchs+hahn” and “Ohrlabor” (~ear laboratory) regularly perform on stage always looking for resonant texts, sounds and refreshing beats.

Gorse (Ruth Robertson-Taylor) has been actively painting public murals for over 8 years in the greater Wellington region. Working collaboratively with councils and communities, she shapes narratives that encapsulate the spirit of each art piece’s location. Gorse often works with different artists to co-create large collaborative artworks. Gorse is a multidisciplinary artist from the dynamically diverse Porirua, New Zealand, a place which greatly influences her creativity. She lives with her husband, two children, and their dog, Basil.

New Zealand Māori composer, performer and anthropologist Rob Thorne (Ngāti Tumutumu) is a diverse and original explorer in the evolving journey of Taonga Puoro (traditional Māori instruments), fusing these ancient voices with modern sounds and technology. His debut solo album “Whaia te Maramatanga” (Rattle Records) is a deeply felt and highly concentrated conversation between the past and the present - a musical passage of identity and connection. 

Moses Viliamu is a New Zealand born Tokelauan/Samoan brought up in Porirua. His parents came in the early 60’s to New Zealand, where he was brought up in a large family. He is a painter, printer and graphic designer fusing his cultural background with colour, movement and abstract motifs. He also volunteers with his Tokelau Cultural Group, youth, churches and community in many projects across the city.

Maraea Rakuraku, Rob Thorne, Sean Haefeli, Sebastian Fuchs, Ruth Roberston-Taylor, Moses W. Viliamu, Milan Gessner, Daniel "El Congo" Allen

Maraea Rakuraku, Rob Thorne, Sebastian Fuchs, Ruth Roberston-Taylor, Moses W. Viliamu, Milan Gessner, Daniel "El Congo" Allen