Maui Public Art Corps recently announced a call for artist proposals to create visual, performance, or experiential public art installations inspired by a collection of audio-recorded stories of Lahaina. In partnership with the County of Maui, Hale Hō‘ike‘ike at the Bailey House/ Maui Historical Society and the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, this initiative seeks to harness the healing power of art in fostering connection and ensuring that Lahaina narratives and cultural heritage are recorded and passed down to future generations.
Upon selection by a community panel, artists will be paired with community members to integrate feedback into their initial proposal, actively shaping the resulting artwork into a site-specific, collaborative piece. The project development period includes a process of identifying a unique proverb from Mary Kawena Pukui’s ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings with cultural consultant Sissy Lake-Farm to provide historical and cultural significance of the specific Maui County installation site for ongoing educational efforts.
One unique opportunity will involve a collaborative mural project at the Kaiser Permanente Lahaina Clinic’s temporary site. This mural will offer a spark of memory, color and peace to the temporary structure, serving as a beacon of hope and resilience.
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“We believe that art has the power to comfort and heal,” said Chris Martin, M.D., assistant area medical director for Kaiser Permanente on Maui. “We are honored to collaborate on this project, which we hope will encourage and uplift our West Maui members, patients, and the entire community as we rebuild together.”
There are five separate categories from which applicants may choose including murals, animation, pop-up performances, and an open call for other creative forms. Demonstrating significant community engagement is a key criterion for all proposals.
“We encourage artists to approach this opportunity with thoughtfulness and respect,” said Lahaina Restoration Foundation Executive Director Theo Morrison. “This project is not only about creating public artwork, but about honoring the stories and wisdom of Lahaina elders in a way that resonates deeply with our community.”
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The Maui Historical Society also expressed strong support for this effort. “The Hui Mo’olelo: Lahaina project fosters a countywide understanding of what Lahaina has endured and celebrated,” said Sissy Lake-Farm, executive director of Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House/ Maui Historical Society. “It is a meaningful step toward healing and appreciating the rich history that continues to shape our community.”
Details regarding the initiative’s process, application criteria, budget and more are available at mauipublicart.org/apply. Applications close at 8:59 p.m. HST on Sept. 8, 2024.
