Creative Capital

Radical joy with Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole

The final episode of Creative Capital features the phenomenal artists Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole - creators of Wharenui Harikoa. Wharenui Harikoa, translating to 'House of Joy', is a large-scale crocheted wharenui (Māori meeting house) that embodies a vision of manifesting intergenerational healing and deeply felt joy. 
Lissy's Story: A Tapestry of Art and ResilienceBorn into a world where creativity flowed as freely as the waters of the moana. I was destined to embrace the arts. Raised in a large, creative  and vibrant whānau where I am the pōtiki/youngest of eight wāhine.My father Colin Cole, a renowned NZ couturier and my mother Mairehau Tui Cole, a high intellectual, my life has been to navigate these two extremes and forge my own path. Crochet found me at a time when I was exploring and experimenting, trying to find my way. Crochet became my visual language, a way to honour my Tūpuna's memory, and a medium to express my deepest emotions. After a fulfilling journey in communications and fashion, including my 'I Love Lissy Collection', I discovered my true calling in crochet.
Rudi's Path: From Forests to YarnI hail from the forestry town of Kaingaroa. Born with a chainsaw in hand, my early years were spent in the embrace of nature and the creative sanctuary of my backyard shed. My transition from the forests to the art of crochet has been a journey of discovery and learning. Meeting Lissy was the turning point where I swapped my chainsaw for a crochet hook, combining my love for making with the intricate art of crochet.
Learn more about Wharenui Harikoa - lissyandrudi.com/wharenuiharikoa

Community Representation with Jonjon Tolovae Cowley Lupo

This episode features Jonjon Tolovae Cowley Lupo, who is an original member of No.3 Roskill Theatre and part of its core group of creatives. Jonjon is the resident costume designer of No.3, costume designing their last 3 shows. She is also one of the performers and contributes to the writing and devising of work created by the cohort. 
She has recently finished working alongside Lindah Lepou costume assisting Lindah in “Aiga” by Lusi Faiva, presented by Touch compass during the 2024 Auckland arts festival. In performance, Jonjon has been a staple performer within the LGBTQIA+/MVPFAFF+ arts scene, where she has contributed to shows as a writer, performer and dancer. She recently launched a pride program with No.3 during Auckland pride 2024 Lalaga Nuanua - Weaving Rainbows, with a focus on bringing together other brown queer artists to collaborate and network during events that included a Script reading of her script, Tapa making and an ongoing monthly Katas and Kava session. Alongside all of this she has been a member of the Aotearoa Ballroom scene since 2022 where she is a Commentator/Chanter and MC. 

Artist-led spaces and mentorship with Lance Fepuleai

This episode features Lance Fepuleai, also known as Lucky Lance. Lance is a Samoan Artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Part of the award-winning hip-hop trio Team Dynamite, he's also the founder and creative director behind Sky Pirates, a street wear entity sporting an art gallery that supports local artistic endeavours.

Community Mobilisation with Amiria Puia-Taylor

This episode, Elyssia speaks with Amiria Puia-Taylor. She is a proud daughter of the Moana who has been fortunate to shape her career being creative - a people weaver, place maker and cultural arts manager. Amiria has been working across the creative industries for 18 years. 

Art as a tool for activism and decolonisation with Van Mei

This month we’re taking with Van Mei who is an artist and writer currently based in Te Ika-a-Māui. They are the current Kaitohu (Director) of The Pantograph Punch, an online arts and culture platform that’s been nourishing writers and audiences for 13 years. 
 
Prior to this they were the Director of Enjoy Contemporary Art Space for a stint and have worked, published and exhibited across performing arts, visual arts and publishing for a number of years. They believe in a future where we can see arts in Aotearoa thrive for the benefit of many, not just survive as we are currently.
 
The tiktok clips that Van refers to in the conversation can be seen below:
“Queer people are a threat to every structure of power” – this video by @blackqueerliberation
“Collectivist vs Individualist safety” – this video by @ayandastood“The imagination of white genocidal maniacs” – reference to this tiktok by Ismatu Gwendolyn / @th.readings

Intergenerational collaboration with Chantelle, Noah, and Aniwa Whaiapu

In this episode, we speak to Chantelle, Noah and Aniwa Whaiapu, part of the whanau behind Te Manawa, a Māori artist-led collective. Focused on leading transformational change in the creative sector in Tāmaki Makaurau, currently being developed by Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi.

Representation in comedy with Janaye Henry

This month we talk to Janaye Henry. Janaye is a Billy T nominated comedian, actor, and host of a new show for people who don’t watch the news - 2 Cents 2 Much. She enjoys creating content for people who don't often see themselves represented in the media. You can 2 Cents 2 Much here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-xxT3W4uRNY-TVnm86UoDkTLy3Ld7dga

Reimagining Queer Arts Practice with Julia Croft and Nathan Joe

This episode, Elyssia speaks to the new Executive Director and Creative Director of Auckland Pride - Julia Croft and Nathan Joe. 
 
Julia Croft is the newly appointed Executive Director of Auckland Pride. She is a practising performance artist whose extensive arts career has given her experience producing, working with funding bodies, and an exceptional reputation for supporting the growth of young artists. Croft’s performance works have toured Aotearoa as well as Australia, the UK, Singapore and Canada. She has worked extensively as a dramaturge, director and teaching artist across New Zealand, Australia and the UK. 
 
Nathan Joe is the Creative Director of Auckland Pride. He is an award-winning playwright and performance poet. His many accolades include the prestigious 2022 Grimshaw Sargeson Literary Fellowship and 2021 Bruce Mason Playwriting Award, 2020 National Poetry Slam Champion and two Playmarket b425 awards. Last year, his play Scenes from a Yellow Peril had its world premiere as part of Auckland Theatre Company’s 2022 programme. Upcoming projects include his play, Losing Face, which is premiering as part of Q Theatre’s 2023 Matchbox from August 9 - 19; and the latest instalment of DIRTY PASSPORTS, a BIPOC spoken word lineup he curates, making its Christchurch premiere as part of WORD Christchurch on August 24. 

Indigenous creative practice with Zoe Black and Jade Townsend

This episode features Zoe Black and Jade Townsend. Zoe Black (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Pākehā) is the deputy director of Objectspace in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. She has been working in galleries for the past ten years. Her curatorial practice has focused on community development and advocating for critically under-represented craft and object art forms. Jade Townsend (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi) is a visual artist and storyteller working at the intersection of her Māori, Pākehā and British heritage. She runs Season Gallery in Tamaki Makaurau with Francis McWhannell. The gallery places a strong emphasis on curated exhibitions and public engagement.

Breaking stereotypes with Brady Peeti

This episode features Brady Peeti. Brady (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Maniapoto) is a pioneering, award-winning performer, who has broken down stereotypes after her recognition as the first Australasian trans actress to play a leading female role.  
 
A graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (receiving a Bachelor of Performing Arts), Brady's theatre credits include Fever: Return of the Ula (Fine Fatale); Black Ties (Te Rēhia Theatre Company and Ilbijerri Theatre Company); Astroman (Auckland Theatre Company); The Wizard of Ōtāhuhu (Mangere Arts Centre); and Larger Than Life (Te Rēhia Theatre Company.) 
In addition to local exposure, Brady spent a month portraying (and receiving rave reviews) prostitute Lucy Harris in the 1990 musical adaption of Jekyll & Hyde which had its run at the Hayes Theatre in Sydney. The role has traditionally been performed by cisgender actresses. 
In 2019, Brady was recognised by her peers in winning the Outstanding Newcomer Award at the Auckland Theatre Awards, something she dedicated to the encouragement and mentorship she receives as a member of the Kaupapa Māori troupe from indigenous performing arts theatre Te Pou.