What are the future aesthetic and political practices of Hawai‘i? The Pacific Arts Association–Pacific Symposium “Hawaiian Futurisms” brings together Kānaka Maoli artists and scholars for a one-day symposium and community talanoa, or discussion, to develop the growing field of Hawaiian Futurisms. The ʻōlelo noʻeau or Hawaiian proverbial saying, “I ka wā ma mua, I ka wā ma hope” or “the future is in the past” is the theoretical grounding in which music, art, and activism represents an aesthetic and praxis of Hawaiian Futurism. By weaving ancestral knowledges into Kānaka methods of cultural expression, these artists and scholars create anti-colonial art that addresses the problems of the present. This critical cultural framework is generative for bringing into existence anti-capitalist futures that elucidate Hawaiian relationality to ʻāina (land) and people. Hawaiian Futurisms embodies the actualization of the futures we want and need, and in doing so, we realize we must first look to the past for guidance, protocols, and answers. The Hawaiian Futurisms Symposium also centers around an exhibition displayed at Honolulu Hale (City Hall) during the month of June.

This symposium and talanoa invites the community, artists and researchers to join us to discuss these topics around art and literature. Please contact Caroline Vercoe with expressions of interest and any questions

More details for the Symposium and information about accommodation will be announced in due course. This will be a one-day Symposium, coinciding with Ho’oulu Lāhui: 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture.

The symposium will be located at Mission Memorial Auditorium, 550 South King Street, 96822.