In 2021, Tautai invited their community to share their practice as artists in residence over a two-week period to respond to global transformation through a localised lens. Experienced digitally but grounded in the physical, the 2021 Tautai FALE-SHIP Residencies placed value on the everyday experiences of Moana artists operating in their own creative centres. In a model conceived in response to the 2020 lockdown, the Fale-Ship residencies are a vital part of Tautai’s ongoing programme to champion Pacific creativity. 

Basement Theatre were invited to be Tautai Fale-Ship Ambassadors for the 2021 iteration. You would have seen on our social feeds at the end of last year 10 works from 10 artists who took part in the programme, in celebration of the work they created in their homes during lockdown. 

"It is such an honour for Basement to be an ambassador organisation for this programme. We align strongly with its indigenous determination, and the wider kaupapa of centering Tangata Moana voices within Aotearoa Arts. The high calibre of artists within the residencies this year speaks to our collective excellence as Moana peoples, and it also speaks to our ongoing ability to spin gold out of straw. A huge mihi and congrats to you all!" - Cat Ruka Basement ED.

Basement Producer Pal and artist Amanda Wilson was our behind-the-scenes rep for the ambassadorship, platforming the artists on our social channels. Alongside these posts, she hosted a podcast interviewing two of the Fale-Ship recipients which are now available to listen to!

Available now on the Basement Radio website or to stream/download from wherever you get your podcasts, listen to Marina Alefosio and Teremoana Rapley talk to Amanda about their residency, artistic practises, and lives.