Gallery Open : Tuesday - Saturday : 10:00am - 2:00pm
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GALLERY TAVIONI AND VANANGA
Rarotonga, Nukutere (Cook Islands)
Culture Community Connection
Stars of Oceania 2023
Monday 21st August, Papa Mike was recognised as a Star of Oceania.
Mike was nominated for his Global Moana Cultural Sustainability, Practice & Leadership and given his award alongside other award winners at an event held at the National Auditorium, Rarotonga.
The Stars of Oceania was established in Hawaii in 2006 to recognise and honour those who personify the values of; Aloha, Respect, Harmony, Balance, Healing & Spirituality.
Papa Mike acknowledged his wife Awhitia Tavioni as the “wind beneath his wings” and not his shadow as she often quietly describes herself. He attributed Awhitia as a master carver in her own right and an experienced traditional vaka carver working alongside him in the traditional arts space for over 45 years.
In Papa Mike’s acceptance speech, he said, “I did not realise what this award was for. Tonight, I feel very humbled by the people I share an Oceania star with this year. I’ve had other awards but this one makes me feel very, very proud.”
EXHIBIT AND SELL YOUR ART
Motivated by the struggles of the 1970s and 80s, Mike remembers a time when local Cook Islands artists had no place to display and sell their art work. Instead, Mike along with other artists, would hang their art work on the trees in town. In 2015, Mike started collecting wood off cuts, pallets and whatever timber he could get his hands on to start building the walls of his gallery. Today, Gallery Tavioni prides itself on offering a space to Cook Islands artists who would like to exhibit and sell their art.
Interested in renting an art space with us?
We offer 2.3m art spaces to rent on the wall and up to 1m out in front of your wall space.
Contact us if you'd like to rent an art space.
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VANANGA TAVIONI
It's not enough to talk about our culture.
We have to live and breathe it.
It is important that all our cultural practices and protocols are applied and perpetuated. Under Papa Mike and Mama Awhitia Tavioni's guidance, we offer space for cultural learning and art. We can offer knowledge sharing sessions, pareu (sarong) making, carving lessons and more.
Plan your visit with us.
Contact us at gallerytavioni@gmail.com to make your booking.
VANANGA TAVIONI IS A NOT FOR PROFIT INITIATIVE. WE APPRECIATE ANY DONATIONS AND FUNDING TO HELP US CONTINUE TO OFFER THIS SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR VISITORS.
CONTACT US IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR MISSION TO PRESERVE AND PERPETUATE OUR CULTURE.
CONTACT US
Leave us a message with any questions or queries about the gallery.