Brazil beckons for singer

Ria Hall will be joining the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute's Tuku Iho-Living Legacy exhibition in Rio.

Placing Maori culture on the global stage, New Zealand singer Ria Hall will join the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute's (NZMACI) Tuku Iho-Living Legacy exhibition which opens in Rio de Janeiro.

Taking New Zealand's indigenous culture and arts to the world, Tuku Iho-Living Legacy showcases more than 80 exquisite Maori artworks crafted from wood, pounamu (greenstone), bone, stone, bronze and flax, created by students and teachers at NZMACI at Te Puia in Rotorua.

Originally established under an act of Parliament in 1926, the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute is mandated with the responsibility to protect, promote and perpetuate Maori arts and crafts, and Tuku Iho is a core representation of the Institute's work.

Tuku Iho's stop in Brazil next month marks the fifth country to host the exhibition, while also coinciding with Rio de Janeiro's 450th anniversary of independence.

The exhibition will be supported by live kapa haka , wood carving, ta moko and a series of live talks.

A number of trade and tourism events will also be held to build relationships and strengthen the New Zealand story in these key markets.

NZMACI director Karl Johnstone said Tuku Iho was formed to share Maori culture far and wide, by connecting with and engaging and supporting other indigenous cultures around the world.

"Tuku Iho provides an opportunity for our artists and performers to interact with Brazil's indigenous peoples, schools, arts communities and wider public.

"It engenders dialogue about cultural development, the role of arts in our societies, and most critically, the importance of identity to the wellbeing of modern communities."

The award-winning, critically acclaimed songstress holds some resolute ideas for the future of New Zealand music and is a natural fit with the exhibition's philosophies and objectives.

"The art of handing and passing cultural information to ensure its survival is such a strong act, so to be a part of something that encourages this resonates with me on many levels," Hall said.

"There is so much richness that New Zealand music can take to the world.

"With our collective cultural presence combined, we are making a humble statement together - that culture, art, language and all its associated nuances are vital for humanities sake.

"I think this kind of vision takes Maori from thinking regionally and nationally, to believing we belong globally - because we absolutely do.

"By continuing to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, while keeping Maoritanga (traditions) close to my heart, I believe this type of outlook supports the continuation of taking our culture to the world.

"My role is to complement the work of NZMACI - to embellish this cultural exchange.

"Culture can manifest in many forums, including the contemporary and I am hoping to showcase this through performance of song."