Multiculturalism in the arts
Many members of the Performing Arts Collective join our shows with a mission: represent their cultural arts. Whether they faithfully reproduce traditional styles, or express their own contemporary version, it’s easy to see the pride they take in their own art form. Migrant groups often form new bonds in the diaspora by practicing what they miss from their country. It’s especially rewarding to see one’s children appreciating performing arts from “back home.” Our audiences also love the “world tour” feeling in many of our shows.
Sri Lankan children’s dance group, Limelight 2025
Another popular category is the cultural admirers. The diversity of Aotearoa, along with the tendency of Kiwis to travel more than most, means that New Zealanders often have broad horizons - and correspondingly eclectic tastes in the arts. Sometimes artists are able to pick up expert tutelage, authentic costuming and props to share with the community in New Plymouth.
Beth and Paula demonstrate Egyptian assaya dance, wearing genuine galabeyas from Cairo
Others, such as myself, migrate to Aotearoa with resources from larger multicultural markets like the USA. North America looms large in the global entertainment landscape, exporting its culture through mass media, online tutorials, and globetrotting tutors offering certification programs. Music and dance such as African American jazz and hip hop have changed over time, absorbing local influences as they travel, to transform into sub-styles like K-Pop. These are authentic to their own place and time. Even certain niche artforms, like globally-influenced San Francisco styles of bellydance, have made the leap across the Pacific.
Gypsophilia adds tartan flair to one of their Global Carvan dance acts
For audiences, it can start to become difficult to tell what’s what. It could even be distressing if viewers believe that art forms are being misrepresented. This is why a big part of PAC’s mission is education. Knowing what you’re doing (or viewing) is key to respectful appreciation.
Our members are offered many opportunities in addition to performing. PAC pays and promotes local tutors to spread awareness and appreciation of their arts to the general public, giving important context to our showcases. We also have sponsored out of town expertise to deepen the conversation. For example, Jenny Bloomfield regularly travels to West Africa with her dancers and drummers for intensive training, and was happy to come up from Wellington to pass it on.
Jenny Bloomfield and the multicultural Moringa Dancers of Wellington
One of our longtime multicultural groups, AFINCA, was able to use the knowledge transmitted by Jenny to present a more richly informed piece of West African inspired music. People of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities have been welcomed into AFINCA for many years now, which many participants say has helped them to feel welcome in the wider community.
PAC will always value acts with as much authenticity as we can find, while also offering accessible on-ramps to create respectful appreciation for other cultures. Continuing to learn and grow is the point, either way, and we support everyone’s journeys to greater understanding.
AFINCA performed their new piece at Limelight 2025.
Collaboration is another important part of PAC’s mission, such as fostering cross-cultural acts and participating in relevant local events. As one example, the Africa Day celebration by Sisonke Taranaki has been a bright star on the New Plymouth calendar for a number of years now, and several PAC members have been regularly invited to come express their admiration for African performing arts.
Being in closer contact with local Africans over the years helps us to not only deepen our mutual appreciation, but also keep us in touch with the “real thing,” and inspire us to keep learning. PAC also returns the favor by inviting artists we meet to perform in our showcases.
The Gumboot Dancers joined PAC after we saw their wonderful act at Africa Day
This Saturday 30th May 2026, PAC members will once again join Sisonke to celebrate Africa Day. Look for the interactive percussion demonstrations by AFINCA and myself (Juniper), and enjoy our vibrant multicultural community. Taranaki may be far removed from the world, but the world has moved to Taranaki, and we love getting to know each other!
Join us at the New Plymouth racecourse lounge, 11am-3pm, 30th May 2026