Week One

A little sneak peek into my studio space at the Fale Fono, where I was based for two months! It’s made up of two rooms.

One of the most beautiful things about this space is the surrounding flora & fauna, the cool ocean breeze that flows through, with Utuko Beach just steps away. It’s the perfect environment to quiet the noise, hear my own thoughts, and really be present in my practice. Feeling so grateful for this peaceful corner of the motu.

I also had the chance to take in some of the incredible artworks from the Niue Arts Festival exhibition — so inspiring to be surrounded by so much creativity!

Falefono Studio 1 & 2

Week One Highlights

I had the absolute pleasure and privilege of spending the day at @tahionoartgallery alongside Ahi Cross, serving as a judge for the Hikulagi Sculpture Park Competition.

It’s been incredible to witness the creativity and passion from all the artists involved. The winners were announced Thursday during the closing ceremony of the Niue Arts Festival — it’s been great to celebrate their amazing work!Feeling grateful to be part of such a special event here on the motu.

Photo taken by Ali Foa’i in front of a portrait of the beautiful Ahi painted by her husband Mark Cross.

Fakaalofa hofihofi atu — !

What an incredible evening at the Opening Night of the Niue Arts Festival 2025

It’s an honour to be here on the Motu among so many talented artists and visionaries, celebrating the strength and creativity of our people. To be officially announced as the ‘Inaugural Niue Artist Resident for 2025’! Cheeehoo

Fakaaue lahi mahaki to the Government of Niue and @creativenz Creative New Zealand for making this important initiative not only possible — but necessary. Festivals like these are vital platforms for connection, cultural exchange, and storytelling across generations.

A special thank you to Minister Talagi and Jo Ikitoelagi — it was a pleasure meeting you both, and your warmth and leadership are truly appreciated. To the Ukulele Youth Performance for the beautiful entertainment and the caterers for the delicious food!. To my family I appreciate you and beautiful Sipeli aunties for being so supportive of the journey & a blessings to have you close by. A huge thank you to Ali Foa’i @alifoai you have been a real advocate thank you so much for being here while I settle in!

Grateful to be part of this journey, representing the digital Moana and standing with the community in the spirit of creativity and reconnection to my ancestors.

Niue Arts Festival – Workshop One ! – One of the ancestral villages of my tipuna. – I stand proud with my feet firmly placed on the ground rooted in Mutalau!

As a child I was always a lil maker inspired through the quiet strength and creative spirit of my late Nana Lotothaaku of Mutalau. Her legacy lives in the ways I create, and honour where I come from.

A heart felt thank you to my people of Mutalau for the deep and warm embrace, an emotional & spiritual experience – a special thank you to Apii Motufoou & his lovely wife cousin Sene for providing the beautiful fale to shelter us from the heat. Apii also carved the katoua Niue warrior spears that are displayed with behind us.

As an arts practitioner, AR digital designer, my practice is grounded in connectedness, innovation, and a way to share my story. These villages have always been the architects of my inspiration — and now, I’m here.

Photo/Video Credit: Kadence

1. Jica Vakaafi – Digital and visual artist

2. Hiapo by Jica & my assistant for the day, show casing the latest Meta Quest 3S !

3. Standing tall with pride our beautiful Mutalau!

Niue Arts Festival – Closing Ceremony in Liku

What a beautiful way to close the Niue Arts Festival — gathered at the iconic Hikulagi Sculpture Park for the Charles Jessop Memorial sculpture park.

It was a privilege to be invited as a judge for this special event, which honours the life and legacy of artist, teacher, and beloved community member Charles Jessop. Founded by Mark & Ahi Cross, the award invites participants to create sculptural works on wooden backboards, which are then added to the evolving Charles Jessop — a living tribute to art, memory, and place.

Fakaaue lahi mahaki to all the artists who entered — your creativity and heart were on full display. Especially to our young 3 year old budding artists!

A heartfelt thank you to Ahi and Mark Cross for your generosity and for hosting this significant moment at Hikulagi.

Special thanks also to the Girls Brigade for the beautiful catering and warm hospitality.

As I continue this journey, I hold close the villages of my ancestors — Liku and Mutalau !

Liku is the home of my late grandfather Iosia Sipeli, and being able to stand in the places my tipuna once walked is both humbling and empowering. These lands are woven into every part of my practice as an artist, storyteller, and creative.

Fakaaue lahi mahaki Niue !

#NiueArtsFestival2025#Jessopmemorialaward#HikulagiSculpturePark#Mutalau#Liku#IosiaSipeli#PacificArts#DigitalMoana#ARArtist#AncestralConnections#KatrinaIosia