Words of Wisdom from Boosted x Moana

Together with Creative New Zealand, Boosted and The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi launched the Boosted X Moana campaign in October 2020, where fifteen Pasifika creatives crowdfunded a combined $150K on Boosted to kickstart their arts projects. In October 2021, another fifteen Pasifika creatives launched their projects match funded again by Boosted X Moana, raising almost another $160K. And again with twenty new projects for 2022.

We've checked in with our Boosted X Moana alumni, and it's safe to say, everyone has been keeping busy making their creative dreams happen. For this article, we had a catch up with:
 

• Moana Ete, who funded her multi-disciplinary theatre show “All of The Above”
• Amiria Puia-Taylor and the 312 Hub, who funded the youth arts residency programme “Dear Diary”
• Telly Tuita, who crowdfunded to take his show “Tongpop Nostalgia” to CoCA in Ōtautahi
• Kasi Valu, who funded to develop the podcast series “Talanoa Toko”
• Lyncia Muller, who crowdfunded $10,000 to develop her first solo show “Kuini”

First, we asked these creatives to boil Boosted X Moana down to three simple words and to give an update on their projects. Then, we thought it would be good to get some golden nuggets of wisdom. As seasoned crowdfunding veterans, we were sure these creatives had some words of advice…. and they did!  

Q: Sum up the Boosted X Moana experience in three words.

• Moana: Scary, hustle, humbling
• Amiria: Community, creativity, connections
• Telly: Very, bloody, helpful
• Kasi: Realisation, village-building, humbling
• Lyncia: Encouraging, community, accessible

Q: It’s been one year since Boosted X Moana 2020. Where is your project at today?

• Moana: I did everything I set out to do! I had a screening of 'All of the Above' to cast, crew and industry. I'm in talks with producers about its potential to submit to Film Festivals.
• Amiria: Currently, Dear Diary has been delayed until Jan 2022 due to a number of whanau priorities within our curatorial team as they are both studying for their Masters Degrees full time and navigating life. Our gallery has been built and we have an amazing bunch of artists lined up. Our space has been used for young people to share smaller, more intimate stories on our local level as we wait for Dear Diary.
• Telly: This particular project has life still in it. The photographic series exhibited at COCA last year, is now in group show curated by Shannon Novak at Tauranga art Gallery. I am at the beginning stages of producing a follow up photographic series from Four Seasons. I have had a lot of curatorial, media and private sales interest since participating in Boosted X Moana.
• Kasi: We were so honoured to be a part of Boosted X Moana, and we’re extremely grateful to our donors and to CNZ for allowing us to take charge of our dreams and make it all happen. As of today, our first episode is being prepared for release, with another six being scheduled for filming.
• Lyncia: This year, I had the opportunity to develop KUINI with a two week research period and a two week workshop with the help of Creative New Zealand. I am currently in the process of applying for funding to develop the full length show, this is where my Boosted X Moana funding will also be used.

Q: Can you give one bit of advice for creatives who are looking to be part of Boosted X Moana this year?

• Moana: Just know that there is a community, like your friends and family, who desire to see new art from you specifically. It may not feel like it when you've worked on your own with no money for so long, but there are avenues and people eager to invest in you because they too believe Aotearoa art should be dominated by Pasifika voices. We are - after all - a Pacific nation. We are the storyholders and storytellers of this origin so you are entitled to this funding. It's important work so be proud of it.
• Amiria: What have you got to lose? Give it a go! Its daunting at first, but you will be supported! It’s definitely an experience that reminds you why our Moana community are people of the Moana. Our people get it!
• Telly: Get out there, be out there. Make yourself known to the public who don’t quite know you, but must! Good luck, you will be well looked after by Boosted. Don’t be scared! Be fierce.
• Kasi: Anytime is the right time. If you have been sitting on an idea that holds your heart and passion then consider Boosted X Moana your sign to get started. We’ve been blessed to start our journey as creatives into the world with the assistance of CNZ and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
• Lyncia : Honestly, if you are thinking about it, do it. Boosted X Moana is a great way to get people to support your art and your ideas. Even if people cannot donate, just sharing it on social media platforms is powerful. Don't be discouraged by having to reach your funding target, because the community will always pull through. We have so much support from creatives and the Pasifika community, which we are so lucky to have. That’s why I believe that this platform is a great opportunity for our creatives.
   

If you’re playing with the idea of running a Boosted campaign to fund your creative mahi, be it as part of Boosted X Moana or at another time (we’re always here!), then go ahead and get planning.
You’ll be surprised at how much goodness can come through the simple act of asking your crowd for support.

Get in touch with Team Boosted at any stage, we love a friendly chat.