Tautai Pacific Arts Trust is a Pacific gallery in Auckland, New Zealand and a charitable trust founded by Fatu Feu'u to empower Pacific arts in New Zealand.[1]
History
Fatu Feu'u founded Tautai Pacific Charitable Trust after having a conversation with Colin McCahon in the 1980s, when McCahon told Feu'u that the New Zealand art world was waiting for Pacific artists to make a serious contribution. Tautai was the first Pacific gallery in New Zealand. Fatu Feu'u is still a patron to this day.[1] Fatu Feu'u was appointed an Honorary Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2001 New Year Honours for his contribution and development to Pacific arts.[2]
The name Tautai draws on the Samoan word for navigator.[3] Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust has provided a sense of community and belonging for the Pacific community in New Zealand for over 30 years.[4] Tautai champions Pacific artists, and plays an important role promoting and nurturing the growing Pacific arts community in New Zealand.[5]
Present
The current location is situated on Karangahape Road, Auckland as of 2020, the new space was opened by then Prime Minister of New Zealand, Dame Jacinda Adern. The building features a sculpture by New Zealand artist Guy Ngan, who identified as Pacific Chinese.[3]
