Hui Mo'olelo: Lahiana. Public Art in Maui. Corps
The Maui Public Art Corps recently announced a call for proposals from artists to create visual, performative or experiential public art installations inspired by Lahaina's collection of audio-recorded stories. In partnership with the County of Maui, Hale Hō'ike'ike at Bailey House/Maui Historical Society, and the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, the initiative aims to harness the healing power of art to foster connection and document Lahaina's stories and cultural heritage for future generations.
Artists selected by a community panel will be paired with community members to incorporate feedback into their initial proposals and actively shape the resulting artwork into a site-specific collaborative piece.The project development period will include a process of working with cultural consultant Sissy Lake-Farm to identify unique proverbs from Mary Kawena Pukui's 'Ōlelo No'eau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings to inform educational activities about the historical and cultural significance of specific installation locations in Maui County.
One unique opportunity is a collaborative mural project at the Kaiser Permanente Lahaina Clinic’s temporary facility. The mural will bring sparkles of memory, color and peace to the temporary facility and serve as a beacon of hope and resilience.
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“We believe that art has the power to comfort and heal,” said Dr. Chris Martin, vice president of regional medical affairs for Kaiser Permanente in Maui. “We are honored to collaborate on this project and hope it will encourage and uplift our members, patients and the entire community in West Maui as we rebuild together.”
Applicants can choose from five categories, including an open call for murals, animations, pop-up performances and other creative formats, with a key criterion for all proposals being to demonstrate active community engagement.
“We encourage artists to approach this opportunity in a thoughtful and respectful way,” said Theo Morrison, executive director of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation. “This project is not just about creating a public work of art, but also about honoring the stories and wisdom of Lahaina Elders in a way that resonates deeply with our community.”
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The Maui Historical Society also voiced strong support for the effort. “The Hui Mo'olelo: Lahaina Project promotes a county-wide understanding of what Lahaina has endured and celebrated,” said Sissy Lake Farm, executive director of Bailey House/Maui Historical Society Hale Hoikeike. “This is a meaningful step toward healing and understanding the rich history that continues to shape our community.”
More information about the initiative, including process, application criteria and budget, can be found at mauipublicart.org/apply. The application deadline is September 8, 2024 at 8:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.
