Budding Pasifika storytellers and creatives now have a new artistic outlet through the innovative Tusitala Collective. Overseen by the Pacific-led charitable organisation Tapasā Navigating Futures, the initiative connects young creatives with one another and with established Pacific artists. It has been kick-started with a $20,000 grant from the Your West Support Fund.
‘We are a creative movement for Pasifika youth aged 16–25 who are passionate about using story through writing, art, media, or performance to uplift their communities and inspire change,’ explains Creative Director Kayla Schwalger. The Samoan word tusitala means ‘storyteller’, an apt name for a project that puts Pacific voices centre stage. The Tusitala Collective focuses on crafting and sharing narratives that celebrate Pacific histories, values, and lived experiences.
The programme includes monthly workshops led by a range of facilitators. From videography and poetry to performance and visual arts, participants explore different creative mediums while building confidence and practical skills. Along the way, they benefit from collaboration, mentorship, and guidance from established Pacific creatives. The programme culminates in a public showcase where participants share their work with whānau, friends, community members, and industry partners.
Seventeen-year-old Lani is typical of many young people involved in the collective. Passionate about photography, TikTok content creation, and painting, she is unsure whether she can turn her creativity into a career. ‘I know I want to do something creative,’ she says, ‘but I don’t always see people like me making it in those spaces.’ The Tusitala Collective is helping rangatahi like Lani see what is possible. Kayla says the programme equips young Pasifika with both creative and business skills to support sustainable careers and thriving enterprises. ‘We hope the programme has a lasting impact in West Auckland by nurturing a generation of Pacific youth who are confident in their creative abilities and cultural identities,’ Kayla concludes.
Keen to get involved? Find out more on the Tapasā website
