www.paifoundation.org

The PA‘I Foundation is engaged in a mission to support and advocate for native Hawaiian artists. The core support for PA‘I’s programs comes from dedicated volunteers of Vicky Holt Takamine’s hālau (traditional dance) school. Vicky, a kumu hula (master teacher) of Hawaiian dance, is regarded by many Hawaiians as a spiritual, cultural and political leader. Springing from Vicky’s vision, PA‘I Foundation sees native Hawaiian art practices as a form of resistance, and often uses art for organizing and empowerment. Vicky has organized demonstrations, marches and vigils advocating for the protection of native Hawaiian rights, land, and natural resources through her cultural practice. As a kumu hula she is among a group who are the driving force behind movements to recover language, cultural traditions, healing practices, voyaging, navigations and agricultural practices of a people that are now the minority population in their ancestral land.

Since 2006, the PA‘I Foundation and the Bishop Museum have been engaged in a successful partnership that allowed the two organizations to secure funding to launch the Native Hawaiian Arts Market. This event was modeled on the Santa Fe Indian Market and serves as a way to celebrate Native Hawaiian contemporary artists. The Market has established a venue for artists to share, exhibit and sell their work. This two day celebration has grown into a month long event that incorporates an arts market; gallery showings; children’s arts events; a wearable art show; and an awards reception, all taking place throughout downtown Honolulu.