Together with Creative New Zealand chair Caren Rangi, Ms Palalagi welcomed the five speakers, one by one, to the podium.
New Zealand race relations commissioner and foundation trustee Meng Foon was the first to speak.
“We are a region of living treasures,” Mr Foon said.
“Whether you go inside a marae or outside in the external environment, we are surrounded by treasures.”
Mr Foon talked about when the region was battered by Cyclone Gabrielle and communications were down — especially when the internet was cut off for five days.
“People found different ways to be creative. For many, it was a time to contemplate and notice the beautifully designed chair or bedspread that they own, while others became more curious about their immediate surroundings.”
He appreciated Kiwis for acknowledging the hard work of several artists and loved how the Arts Foundation was helping connect talented “arty youths” with more experienced ones.
“The good thing about mentorship is that it helps provide pathways on how to be more sustainable in your profession,” he said.
Next in line was Gisborne mayor Rehette Stoltz who expressed her surprise at being invited to the event.
“When I think about art, I’m the least arty person,” she said.
“But what warms my heart even these days is listening to J S Bach’s masterpiece Hunting Cantata.”
The piece played in the background as she continued speaking.
“My Dutch grandfather Henri Louw introduced me to classical music. It sounds real soothing and soulful even as I speak.”
The mayor spoke about having to make some tough calls in her position during Cyclone Gabrielle. She found solace in Bach.
“Whenever the stress would get to me, I would close my office door, take off my shoes, lie on the couch, and just pump out the most beautiful music.”
Mrs Stoltz said although her occupation kept her busy most of the time, the other art form she loved was reading.
The next speaker was contemporary rangatahi artist Maia Keane.
“I never really thought that I was necessarily good and that one could make a successful career as an artist. I still do have those moments of self-doubt sometimes.
“But what keeps me going is the fact that I’m deeply passionate about art and it’s the thing I’d like to pursue.”
Maia, who studied at Toihoukura, School of Māori Visual Arts was described as an “amazing student” by artist and Toihoukura tutor Erena Koopu.
Ms Koopu said it was really important to not only build creative individuals but create a space for a community of artists.
“We need to build a rich community culture surrounding the arts.”
The last speaker was fashion designer and Arts Foundation Laureate Lindah Lepou.
Lepou said the important message to take away was that each artist should embrace themselves and their heritage.
“Whether your style is western or indigenous, it’s really about celebrating who you are.”
Lepou said fashion as an art helped the artist pull out of depression and the darkness.
“So when I hear people challenge the art funding, it just spells out crap.”
Ms Palalagi said the idea for All in for the Arts originally started in 2020. This year is the first time it has come to Gisborne.
“Usually every year we select 10 places to have our roadshow. This year Gisborne was on the map. Despite Gabrielle, the local community showed strong interest in holding the event here. It’s really a great reminder of how important the arts really is.”
