Convenings

We unite our wide-ranging networks to foster a thriving arts and culture sector across our region and beyond.

Photo Credit: Wakeful State

2024 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, Hawaiʻi

Creative West supported the participation of the U.S. Pacific Jurisdictions of American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) in the 2024 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC). This essential cultural celebration was made possible through funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Mellon Foundation. These investments ensured the successful involvement of Pacific delegations at FestPAC and enabled Creative West’s active engagement in the event.

During the festival, Creative West organized two notable events in collaboration with state and federal cultural agencies. The first event, held on June 7 at the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design, was a Gathering of Pacific arts agencies and humanities councils. This meeting fostered insightful discussions with the chairs of the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, addressing key challenges and opportunities for Pacific arts and humanities organizations.

On June 8, Creative West partnered with the Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the Hawaiʻi Council on the Humanities to host a cultural affairs reception at Capitol Modern. This event brought together artist delegates, cultural attachés, Hawaiʻi legislators, representatives from federal agencies, and other key stakeholders from the Pacific arts community.

These collaborative efforts underscore Creative West’s commitment to celebrating and supporting Pacific arts and culture.

Five performers in traditional flamenco attire dance on an outdoor stage, wearing vibrant red, black, and white polka-dotted costumes with ruffles and fringes. The stage is set against a warmly lit stone wall, with string lights above and trees visible in the background, creating a festive atmosphere.
Photo Credit Natalie Scherlong

Board Meeting in Santa Fe, NM

The evening featured:

  • A spoken word poem from inaugural Poet Laureate Hakim Bellamy
  • A Flamenco performance by La Emi
  • A Native American Hoop Dance by the Lightning Boys

Celebrate Good Times

CW Board meeting members sitting at a table. Photo credit: Blake Jackson
Denver CO Celebration. Photo credit: Blake Jackson
Group photo of CW Board of Trustees. Photo credit: Blake Jackson
Denver CO Celebration Band
Denver CO Celebration celebrates with band Blink 90210. Photo credit: Blake Jackson

Board Meeting and 50th Anniversary Celebration in Denver, CO

Speeches

  • Staff and trustees delivered heartfelt speeches reflecting on WESTAF’s achievements over the past 50 years
  • Remarks highlighted the organization’s growth, impact, and vision for the future as Creative West

Rebranding Celebration

  • Official recognition of WESTAF’s rebranding to Creative West, symbolizing its evolution and renewed mission
  • Tributes were made to the organization’s enduring legacy and cultural influence

Blink 90210 Performance

  • A live band added energy to the event, providing music for attendees to enjoy and celebrate the occasion