Mentorship has a long history in fashion and the arts, with creative partnerships, guidance and advice essential for the emerging and established – mentoring often going both ways, and resulting in long-lasting friendships.
That’s the premise behind the The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi’s Springboard programme, which pairs early-career artists with established figures to help guide them towards a sustainable and full-time career in the arts.
The organisation has revealed 2023’s artist duos, with an incredible and diverse group: Tia Barrett (Māori Moving Image, Photography) mentored by 2019 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate Louise Pōtiki Bryant (Dance, Choreography, Video Art); ‘Uhila Moe Langi Nai (Multi-disciplinary, Visual Arts) mentored by Dr. Andrea Low (Curator, Writer, Artist); Madison Kelly (Visual Arts) mentored by 2016 Arts Foundation Laureate Peter Robinson (Visual Arts); Freya Silas Finch (Film, Theatre, Photography) mentored by 2019 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate Solomon Mortimer (Photography); Amit Noy (Choreography) mentored by 2011 Arts Foundation Laureate Lemi Ponifasio (Theatre, Choreography); Sung Hwan ‘Bobby’ Park (Visual Arts, Ceramics) mentored by 2015 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate Lisa Walker ONZM (Jewellery); and Jaycee Tanuvasa (Multi-disciplinary) mentored by 2021 Arts Foundation Laureate Nina Nawalowalo ONZM (Theatre).
As well as mentorship, Springboard recipients also receive a $15,000 gift. This is the fourth year of the programme. In a statement, Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi general manager Jessica Palalagi said that this year’s group builds on previous years’ alumni of early-career artists, and acknowledged the generosity of individuals and families who donate to the foundation to allow such programmes.
On Thursday night, some of Aotearoa’s arts community congregated at Courtenay Creative in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington to fete this year’s group of recipients - see some of the well-dressed guests and their outfits, photographed by Rebecca McMillan.
