About

This event delves into the beginnings of street art in Aotearoa, featuring pioneering artists who have significantly influenced the nation's art scene:

Janine "Lady Diva" Williams - An urban contemporary artist of Ngāti Paoa and Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara descent, Janine Williams, also known as "Lady Diva," integrates Māori cultural motifs into her work. Collaborating closely with her husband, Charles, she has contributed to large-scale murals both in New Zealand and internationally, aiming to connect communities through art.

Charles "PHAT1" Williams - A leading figure in New Zealand's graffiti scene, Charles Williams, known as "PHAT1," has been instrumental in shaping the country's urban art landscape. His work seamlessly blends urban art with cultural narratives, reflecting his commitment to community and heritage.

Gary Silipa - A New Zealand-born Samoan artist whose versatile practice spans art education, production, curation, and facilitation, seamlessly shifting between street and studio environments.

Hosted by Olivia Laita - An esteemed arts manager, curator and CEO of the Aotearoa Urban Arts Trust, Olivia Laita has been a driving force in promoting urban art in New Zealand. With over a decade of experience, she has curated significant exhibitions such as "Post-Graffiti Pacific" and served as the curator for the Graffiato: Taupō Street Art Festival. Her leadership has been pivotal in elevating the profile of Pacific artists in the urban art scene.

Event date: Wednesday 30 April 2025
Event time: 7-9pm

FETU Creative Forum (FCF)

The FETU Creative Forum (FCF) is a live panel discussion series dedicated to empowering emerging Pasifika creatives through knowledge exchange, creative dialogue, and industry connection. Spearheaded by LaunchPad's Chief Community Orchestrator, Lance Fepuleai—an esteemed Samoan artist—FCF brings together established Tagata Moana artists and industry experts to share their experiences, insights, and career journeys with the next generation of creatives.

Each event is designed as an interactive live experience where audience members can engage directly with panelists, ask questions, and gain real-world knowledge from professionals in the field. In addition to the in-person experience, FCF is filmed and recorded in a podcast-style format, ensuring that these valuable discussions reach a wider audience through social media and digital platforms for ongoing learning and documentation.