In 2013 a small seed was planted.

WAI the Women’s Art Initiative began with seven wāhine in a tiny local dental clinic.

Together they made art as a form of resistance and in response to the violence and abuse they had experienced.

Together these wāhine emerged, growing their kaupapa and kawa. As time passed more and more wāhine walked alongside.

The wāhine bloomed. They shared strong words and strong works.

They challenged negative stereotypes and myths.

They asked society to take responsibility.

They continued to grow, moving studio spaces twice more to accommodate new members.

This year these wāhine toa stand before you.

They ask you to see them as they are.

Dignified, grounded, and strong.

Narrators, creators, and artists.

Voyagers and self-discoverers – ‘being’ what they need to be.

Powerful and empowered wāhine.

Carriers of light, nurturers of life, and authentic voices for social justice.

WAI – the Women’s Art Initiative – activists, advocates, and artists.

10 years of Standing in my own light
E tū ana i tōku ake marama