Waikato regional arts-led response to flatten the curve on racism

Ten artists are being selected to create 10 commissioned works with the same sentiment as Waikato's new Te Tatau ki Kirikiriroa sculpture, unity, in Hamilton. Photo / Mark Hamilton

In a collective effort to combat emerging signs of racism, artists from around the Waikato region are being called to get involved in an arts campaign expressing the importance of kotahitanga: unity in the community.

From an open submission process, 10 artists will be selected to create 10 commissioned works to be shared to the wider Waikato community.

Chairwoman of Fijian Indian young professionals group Aks Collective and member of the Waikato Community Funders Group, Jenny Nand, says: "Reports of online bullying and racism have been escalating in New Zealand for a long time, and over the past few months this has increased further as the impacts of Covid-19 have been felt."

Concerned about the isolated cases and incidents of racism being experienced in the region, Nand says: "This is not representative of the inclusive Waikato that we believe in.

"Waikato has contributed to New Zealand becoming a world leader in flattening the Covid-19 curve and now it is time to flatten the curve on racism," she says.

To champion the cause, Creative Waikato is leading a Waikato response backed by the Waikato Community Funders Group.

Creative Waikato CEO Jeremy Mayall believes an arts-led response will educate and generate powerful conversations about Waikato being an inclusive region where ethnic diversity is celebrated.

Creative Waikato CEO Jeremy Mayall believes an arts-led response will powerfully combat racism. Photo / Chris Hillock

"Creativity and unity are vital parts of a thriving and innovative society. They are part of our core. This is true at all times, but especially now," says Mayall.

"The pandemic has caused troubling times and it is clear the future holds ongoing economic hardship, stress, fear, and grief.

"Moving forward, as alert levels continue to lower the creative sector has an opportunity to rebuild our communities and encourage people back into public spaces together.

"We need to remind each other that we are paving a new way together, and that a diverse and inclusive Waikato is the Waikato we want to step into," he says.

Artists from all genres are encouraged to submit a proposal.

"The Waikato is a diverse place and it is vital we express the value of diversity through artistic expressions of togetherness," says Mayall.

Further details for submissions are here on Creative Waikato's news page. Submissions close Tuesday, June 2 with works expected to be completed by mid-June.

The Waikato Community Funders Group takes a collaborative approach to funding opportunities across the Waikato and includes the Brian Perry Foundation, Braemar Charitable Trust, The Department of Internal Affairs, DV Bryant Trust, Gallagher Foundation, Len Reynolds Trust, Momentum Waikato, Trust Waikato, WEL Energy Trust, Hamilton City Council and Waikato Regional Council.