The Arts Foundation have announced their inaugural Springboard awardees – six artists, each at a formative stage of their career – selected to receive $15,000 as a gift, along with mentoring from a senior alumni artist of Arts Foundation laureates and other previous award recipients.  

Among the six are two musicians: Arjuna Oakes is described as a striking and assured new talent demonstrating a profound understanding of his medium, which he complements with powerful, original sonic language. Arjuna will be mentored by composer John Psathas ONZM. 

Moana Ete covers more genres – writer, film maker, musician, curator and performing arts. ‘Moana has a unique voice across many mediums. She uses her practice to explore the ways we are navigating the impact of colonisation, sparking kōrero about our collective future.’ Moana’s mentor will be film maker Niki Caro MNZM. 

The Springboard programme aims to kickstart arts careers for up to 10 artists in Aotearoa every year.