Times of crisis lay bare the shortcomings of modern political systems and the limitations of established social structures while underscoring the need for collective action, unity, and interisland (and international) solidarity at a grassroots level.

Can art inspire and empower community while challenging hierarchical systems of power and control? How can mutual aid and collective transformation guide us through turbulent times, fostering resilience and unity with kānaka, kamaʻāina, and malihini?

INTERISLAND ACTION invites artists to explore themes of "archipelagic thinking," mutual aid, and collective transformation. The exhibition seeks to envision a paeʻāina (archipelago) where interconnectedness, shared support, individual excellence, and radical collaboration are harnessed to navigate and respond to contemporary crises rooted in historical contexts. Rather than proposing definitive solutions for pressing and polarizing issues, the exhibition seeks to spark critical dialogue through creative engagement, challenging conventional perspectives and inspiring new ways of thinking and being.

The juror is interested in curating an exhibition that touches upon these ideas directly and indirectly to guide a conversation about the future of Hawaiʻi and the world. Artists are asked to consider how their work (existing or newly-created) adds to this conversation. What does your artwork add to the conversation?

** "Archipelagic Thinking" recognizes that life in island chains is fundamentally different from that on continental masses. What lessons can be brought to the World from the perspective of those living in archipelagos? For more about "Archipelagic Thinking" visit: https://www.jstor.org/stable/41849962

About the Juror:

Josh Tengan is a Honolulu-based independent curator, writer, and a community arts organizer from Pauoa, Kona, Oʻahu. He currently serves as Hawaiʻi Contemporary’s Associate Director.  Josh previously worked with Hawaiʻi Contemporary as assistant curator of Honolulu Biennial 2019 and as Exhibition Manager of Hawaiʻi Triennial 2022. From 2015–2019, he worked with local and Native Hawaiian artists at Puʻuhonua Society to deliver Hawaiʻi’s largest annual thematic contemporary art exhibition, CONTACT. He was an associate director of Puʻuhonua Society (2021–2022) and an arts manager at Nā Mea Hawai‘i/Native Books (2014–2022). He was a 2022 Independent Curators International Curatorial Research Fellow with Drew Kahuʻāina Broderick (associate curator, HT22) for the multi-site exhibition of Kānaka ʻŌiwi contemporary art, ʻAi Pōhaku, Stone Eaters, curated with Noelle M.K.Y. Kahanu (co-curator, HT25). He holds a Curatorial Studies MA with Distinction from Newcastle University (UK) and a BA in Fine Art from Westmont College. 

Exhibition Dates: January 18 – March 3, 2024

Deadline to Apply: December 15, 2023

This exhibition has been approved for a site visit from the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to consider purchase recommendations to their Arts in Public Places Program.

Application Requirements

Submission fee:

$25 for first sample
$5 for each additional media sample

There is no submission fee for artists affected by the Maui wildfires (additional media fees still apply). Enter code MauiNoKaOi at checkout. 

Important Dates:

Deadline for artwork submissions: Friday, December 15, 2022 at 8:59PM HST (11:59PM Mountain Time)

Artists notifications will be made via email by Friday, December 22, 2022

Shipped artwork must be received by Thursday, January 11, 2022.

Artwork can be dropped off in person on: 

• Saturday, January 6: 10am - 2pm
• Tuesday, January 9: TBD
• Wednesday, January 10: TBD
• by special arrangement

Artwork must arrive to Kahilu Exhibits ready for installation with appropriate hanging hardware and professional presentation.

Artworks in all media are welcome. Video monitors and media players are available for video and audio-based submissions. Kahilu is unable to accommodate projection-based artworks.

Eligibility Criteria

Submitting artists must be in the United States and at least 18 years of age or older.